Kill two birds with the one stone.
Kill two birds with the one stone.
Meaning in plain English
The saying makes one stone achieve two bird targets. As an analogy, a single action is pictured as serving two purposes.
Example
A team combines two compatible information requests into one clear message.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The numbers give efficiency a compact image. A useful application asks whether one actual step can meet two needs without creating an unwanted consequence. The phrase does not provide a hunting method or imply that every combined task is better than separate ones.
When to use it
Use it to discuss one action serving compatible purposes.
Keep in mind
The violent image is figurative here; combining tasks is not always beneficial.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 270; PDF page 42
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Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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