PhrasesHub

To kill two birds with one stone

    Definitions

      • accomplish two tasks at once
        To efficiently complete two objectives or tasks simultaneously, maximizing time and effort

      • achieve multiple goals with a single action
        To achieve multiple desired outcomes or benefits with a single action or decision, saving time and resources

    Examples of To kill two birds with one stone

    • She decided to attend the networking event and interview potential candidates for the job opening at the same time, killing two birds with one stone.

      This idiom is used when you accomplish two things simultaneously, making it more efficient to complete both tasks at once. The phrase "kill two birds with one stone" originated from hunting, where it was possible to shoot two birds with a single stone used as a projectile. In modern usage, it refers to completing two tasks with a single action.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "to kill two birds with one stone" is commonly used to express the idea of accomplishing multiple tasks or goals with a single action. It emphasizes efficiency and effectiveness in completing tasks or achieving desired outcomes.

    Origin of "To kill two birds with one stone"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to be rooted in a Greek proverb that dates back to the 3rd century BC. The proverb, "to catch two birds with one stone," was used to describe the concept of achieving double success with a single effort. It was later translated into Latin as "unum lapidem duo aves occidere," which literally means "to kill two birds with one stone."

    The idiom gained popularity in the English language in the 17th and 18th centuries, appearing in various works of literature and eventually becoming a widely used phrase. It is believed that the idiom was first used in its current form by the English author John Ray in his book "A Hand-book of Proverbs" in 1670.

    Some have also suggested that the idiom may have originated from the practice of hunting with stones, where a skilled hunter could potentially kill two birds with one well-aimed shot. However, this origin is not widely accepted.

    Overall, the idiom "to kill two birds with one stone" has stood the test of time and is still commonly used today to convey the idea of efficiency and effectiveness in completing tasks or achieving multiple goals.