What Does “Killing Two Birds With One Stone” Mean?

The expression “killing two birds with one stone” is prevalent. Nevertheless, correctly using the expression requires an in-depth knowledge of the expression and the correct way to use it.

The idiomatic expression “killing two birds with one stone” means taking one action aimed at solving two problems, doing just one thing, and making two achievements. For example, buying an item of clothing at the boutique when going to church is killing two birds with one stone.

Having a basic knowledge of this idiomatic expression is not enough, but you must know everything about the expression before you can correctly use it. Hence, this article will provide the knowledge you need to use the expression correctly.

What Does “Killing Two Birds With One Stone” Mean?

Most idiomatic expressions only have a reasonable meaning when explained in their figurative meaning. However, some idiomatic expressions can also have a rational meaning literally.

The expression “killing two birds with one stone” seems impossible literally, but when you look into the figurative meaning, it makes a whole lot of sense. The expression refers to achieving two things while taking an action.

It also means to solve two different problems with one action, i.e., by doing one thing, you have provided a solution to two different things. It also means to accomplish two things at the same time while doing just one thing.

The phrase “killing two birds with one stone” also means completing two actions at once. It also refers to solving two tasks at the same time or with an action.

When you need to do two things like you have to drop a package at the post office and you also want to get some fresh air, you can achieve both by taking a walk to the post office while getting the fresh air which is “killing two birds with one stone.”

The expression does not only mean achieving two things, but you can also achieve two or more things by performing one action. For example, you need to pick your child from school, buy gas, and also buy some groceries, so you can achieve all those things in one drive, which is “killing two birds with one stone.”

Where Did The Expression “Killing Two Birds With One Stone” Originate From?

There are many claims on the origin of the expression “killing two birds with one stone.” The expression “killing two birds with one stone” was first found in a book titled The Questions Concerning Liberty, Necessity, and Chance written by Thomas Hobbes in 1656.

Although, most people believe the expression originated from a story called Daedalus and Icarus from Greek Mythology. However, others believe that the idiom originated from an expression in a book titled The Proverbs of John Heywood, written in 1546.

The first time the idiomatic expression was used in Greek mythology was used in its literal meaning because a man killed two birds with one stone. However, there was no explanation as to how it happened.

The reason for killing the birds was to get the feathers to make a wing to escape and fly away from his current location. However, the first recorded print media of using the expression “killing two birds with one stone” was meant figuratively.

It is also said that the expression “killing two birds with one stone” originates from an older similar expression. People also say the expression comes from two Chinese sayings that go thus in English “one stone two birds” and “one arrow double vultures.””

We know that although English is the official language of many countries, other languages are still predominant in other countries. The expression has variations in other languages, “to kill two flies in one swat” is German, “to catch two pigeons with one lava bean” is Italian, and “to kill two rabbits with one cane blow” is Portuguese.

Before the idiom “killing two birds with one stone” became a famous expression, people used it in a pejorative way, saying the expression is highly challenging and almost impossible.

However, over time, the idiom “killing two birds with one stone” became well used for the meaning we all know and has since been seen as an achievement and having positive value.

How People Use The Expression “Killing Two Birds With One Stone”

The expression “killing two birds with one stone” is used to describe a situation where two or more tasks are achieved by performing a single action. It is used when you solve two problems with a single solution.

The expression “killing two birds with one stone” can also be written as “killed two birds with one stone.” The former is in the present continuous tense, and the latter is in the past tense.

So, you use “killing two birds with one stone” when you complete two activities by taking a single action, e.g., Emmanuel filled his car tank on his way to pick up his sister from the airport; he was killing two birds with one stone.

The idiomatic expression is also used to describe an achievement of two different ends with just a single effort. It is also used when talking about thinking of a single solution to two different issues.

You can also use “killed two birds with one stone” when describing a past action; for example, Beatrice killed two birds with one stone when she dropped the mail in the post office on her way to her friend’s house.

Other creative expressions can be used instead of “killing two birds with one stone” like “free two birds with one key,” “flutter two hearts with one look,” and “mash two potatoes with one fork.”

You also use the idiom “killing two birds with one stone” when you accomplish two things by taking an action that takes less time, stress, and energy. “Killing two birds with one stone” is seen as a quality of someone hardworking, focused, and strategic.

Illustrative Examples Of How To Use The Idiomatic Expression

Having understood the meaning, origin, and correct way to use the expression “killing two birds with one stone,” we will talk about some illustrative examples that clarify the correct way to use the expression in a sentence.

1. When Joshua needed to pick up the laundry from the dry-cleaner and get some groceries, he decided to kill two birds with one stone by getting some groceries while he went to pick up the laundry.
2. The doctor advised Victor to exercise regularly, so he decided to jog to the grocery store every morning. That way, he was killing two birds with one stone.
3. After I realized I was not doing well in my studies due to my part-time job, I decided to kill two birds with one stone by reading my school books on the bus to my workplace.
4. John and his wife only had a car and when James needed to go to the gym and his wife had to go to work, he decided to drop her off at work on his way to the gym, killing two birds with one stone.
5. Peter had to go to London for an official conference, prior to that, he promised to visit his grandparents soon. He killed two birds with one stone by visiting them when they went on lunch break.
6. When Dorcas was writing an account of how she spent money, she realized that she spent a lot to transport herself to her workplace, so she decided to kill two birds with one stone by cycling to work.
7. Every morning I have to read the newspaper as it helps me with my job, so while reading the newspaper, I eat breakfast, so I kill two birds with one stone.
8. Oscar had a crush on Kayla, who was very intelligent and always passed her tests, so he asked her to be his tutor not only because he was failing but also to spend more time with her, thereby killing two birds with one stone.
9. I was not financially buoyant and needed a part-time job, so when James and I visited a restaurant, I took the opportunity to submit an application to the restaurant manager; I killed two birds with one stone.
10. My English teacher told me I need to improve my vocabulary, so on my daily run- as advised by my doctor- I listen to audio recordings of the dictionary killing two birds with one stone.
11. The family doctor said I need to exercise regularly, and my mom said I should also socialize with others, so I killed two birds with one stone by going on a group run with others in my community.

Final Thoughts

Having a better understanding of an idiomatic expression allows you to use it in your writing and sentences correctly. Now that we have established all you need to know about the expression “killing two birds with one stone,” there should be no issue using it.

The reason for this article is to provide an understanding of the idiom “killing two birds with one stone” and how to use it correctly. Having read this article, you should have a detailed knowledge of idiomatic expressions.