kill two birds with one stone
To solve two problems with one single action.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I'll kill two birds with one stone and shop on my way home.”
“By cycling to work, she kills two birds with one stone: saving money and staying fit.”
“Holding the conference in her hometown let her kill two birds with one stone, presenting her research and visiting family.”
first recorded 17th c.
Attested in 17th-century English (used by Thomas Hobbes in 1656); the image of one act achieving two ends is ancient.
- 01
a little bird told me
I received the information from a source which I am not prepared to disclose.
- 02
as best one can
In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.
- 03
as far as one knows
To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.
- 04
back to square one
Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.
- 05
beast with two backs
Two people united in sexual intercourse in the missionary position.
- 06
beat as one
To share the same feelings.
- 07
become one flesh
To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.
- 08
bird in the bosom
A secret pledge that one makes for another.
Last updated August 10, 2026