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kill two birds with one stone

to solve two problems with one action

In Idioms & Sayings

In more detail

(idiom) to achieve two different things at the same time with a single action or effort

Examples

• By studying while on the bus, I kill two birds with one stone: I save time and improve my English.

How to use kill two birds with one stone

This is a common idiom meaning to solve two problems or achieve two goals through one efficient action. It is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in business, planning, and everyday problem-solving. The expression carries a practical, efficient tone and is not typically seen as negative despite its reference to birds.

Common phrases

• try to kill two birds with one stone
• manage to kill two birds with one stone
• kill two birds with one stone by doing
• kill two birds with one stone with a single action

Synonyms

accomplish two things at once · serve a dual purpose · achieve multiple objectives simultaneously · hit two targets with one blow

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse this with similar-sounding expressions or attempt to translate it literally from their native language, not recognizing it as a fixed idiom rather than a literal statement about birds.

Nearby in Idioms & Sayings

in the same boat, jump on the bandwagon, keep an eye on, let sleeping dogs lie, make ends meet, no strings attached

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained