Kill two birds with one stone

phrase

Achieve two goals with one action.

I bought groceries on my way home from work, killing two birds with one stone.
Visual representation of "kill two birds with one stone" - Achieve two goals with one action

Often appears as...

  • you can often kill two birds with one stone
  • found a way to kill two birds with one stone

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Achieve two goals with one action.

I bought groceries on my way home from work, killing two birds with one stone.
Visual representation of "kill two birds with one stone" - Achieve two goals with one action

Often appears as...

  • you can often kill two birds with one stone
  • found a way to kill two birds with one stone

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "kill two birds with one stone"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Usage

The phrase is a metaphor, meaning it describes one thing as another to suggest a likeness.

Illustration for Metaphorical Usage
By taking the train instead of driving, she could relax and save money, killing two birds with one stone.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoid Literal Interpretation

Don't interpret the phrase literally; it's not about harming animals but about efficiency.

Illustration for Avoid Literal Interpretation
Joining the gym next to his office, he could exercise before work and avoid traffic, thus killing two birds with one stone.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Context Sensitive

Often used in casual conversation or informal writing, not typically in formal contexts.

Illustration for Context Sensitive
She called her mom while commuting to catch up and save time, killing two birds with one stone.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Usage

The phrase is a metaphor, meaning it describes one thing as another to suggest a likeness.

Illustration for Metaphorical Usage
By taking the train instead of driving, she could relax and save money, killing two birds with one stone.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoid Literal Interpretation

Don't interpret the phrase literally; it's not about harming animals but about efficiency.

Illustration for Avoid Literal Interpretation
Joining the gym next to his office, he could exercise before work and avoid traffic, thus killing two birds with one stone.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Context Sensitive

Often used in casual conversation or informal writing, not typically in formal contexts.

Illustration for Context Sensitive
She called her mom while commuting to catch up and save time, killing two birds with one stone.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Usage

The phrase is a metaphor, meaning it describes one thing as another to suggest a likeness.

Illustration for Metaphorical Usage
By taking the train instead of driving, she could relax and save money, killing two birds with one stone.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoid Literal Interpretation

Don't interpret the phrase literally; it's not about harming animals but about efficiency.

Illustration for Avoid Literal Interpretation
Joining the gym next to his office, he could exercise before work and avoid traffic, thus killing two birds with one stone.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Context Sensitive

Often used in casual conversation or informal writing, not typically in formal contexts.

Illustration for Context Sensitive
She called her mom while commuting to catch up and save time, killing two birds with one stone.
Visual representation of the word "Kill two birds with one stone"

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