What does “To kill two birds with one stone.” mean?
"To kill two birds with one stone" means to achieve two goals or objectives with a single action or effort, suggesting an efficient and effective approach to problem-solving or decision-making.
What context can I use the in?
Example
By combining our marketing and sales efforts, we can kill two birds with one stone. We'll increase brand awareness and generate more leads at the same time.
Example
Let's schedule a meeting during lunch break. That way, we can discuss the project and have a meal together. It's a great way to kill two birds with one stone.
Example
I'm going to the grocery store to buy ingredients for dinner and pick up my dry cleaning on the way back. It's a perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone
Is “To kill two birds with one stone.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To kill two birds with one stone.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “To kill two birds with one stone.” effectively in context?
You can use "To kill two birds with one stone" to describe a situation where you accomplish two goals or objectives with a single action or effort. It suggests an efficient and effective approach to problem-solving or decision-making. For example, if you have to attend a meeting and also need to pick up some documents from the office, you might say, 'I'll stop by the office on my way to the meeting and kill two birds with one stone.'
- 1Work
By combining our marketing and sales efforts, we can kill two birds with one stone. We'll increase brand awareness and generate more leads at the same time.
- 2Socializing
Let's schedule a meeting during lunch break. That way, we can discuss the project and have a meal together. It's a great way to kill two birds with one stone.
- 3Errands
I'm going to the grocery store to buy ingredients for dinner and pick up my dry cleaning on the way back. It's a perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.
Similar phrases to “To kill two birds with one stone.”:
Double whammy
To experience two negative or challenging events or consequences at the same time
Example
Not only did he lose his job, but his car broke down too. It was a double whammy.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To kill two birds with one stone.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To kill two birds with one stone" is unknown.
Is “To kill two birds with one stone.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "To kill two birds with one stone" is a common proverb that is frequently used in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the idea of efficiency and effectiveness in achieving multiple goals or objectives simultaneously.
What tone does “To kill two birds with one stone.” have?
"To kill two birds with one stone" conveys a tone of practicality and resourcefulness. It suggests finding creative solutions to maximize productivity and minimize effort.
Can “To kill two birds with one stone.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The proverb "To kill two birds with one stone" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of accomplishing multiple goals with a single action or effort. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'By combining our marketing and sales efforts, we can kill two birds with one stone.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Time to kill two birds with one stone!' to imply the intention to accomplish multiple tasks efficiently.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- maximize efficiency
- accomplish multiple goals
- do two things at once
- combine tasks
- multitask effectively
Antonyms
- one thing at a time
- focus on a single goal
- take things step by step
- prioritize tasks
- avoid multitasking
