kill two birds with one stone

Meaning

This common idiom means to achieve two different tasks or solve two problems with a single action. It is highly casual and practical, often used when planning daily tasks, errands, or work projects.

Examples

• I can cycle to work and get my daily exercise, which kills two birds with one stone.

  I can cycle to work and get my daily exercise, which kills two birds with one stone.

• By taking my client out to lunch, I killed two birds with one stone: I fed myself and closed the deal.

  By taking my client out to lunch, I killed two birds with one stone: I fed myself and closed the deal.

• We can kill two birds with one stone by visiting our grandparents on our way to the beach.

  We can kill two birds with one stone by visiting our grandparents on our way to the beach.

• Writing down my thoughts in English helps me practice my writing and organize my day, killing two birds with one stone.

  Writing down my thoughts in English helps me practice my writing and organize my day, killing two birds with one stone.

• If you buy the bundle, you'll kill two birds with one stone—saving money and getting all the gear you need.

  If you buy the bundle, you'll kill two birds with one stone—saving money and getting all the gear you need.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to kill two birds by one stone.

  ✓ I want to kill two birds with one stone.

  The correct preposition is "with", indicating the instrument used, not "by".

• ✗ She killed two birds with one rock.

  ✓ She killed two birds with one stone.

  Idioms are fixed expressions. You cannot substitute "stone" with "rock", "pebble", or any other synonym.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If I drop off the dry cleaning while picking up the groceries, I'll ___.

  💡 Achieve two goals with one trip.

  Show answer

  kill two birds with one stone

• Listening to English podcasts while cleaning the house is a great way to ___.

  💡 Do two productive things at the same time.

  Show answer

  kill two birds with one stone