What does the idiom "kill two birds with one stone" mean?
You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase kill two birds with one stone, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression kill two birds with one stone used and what is its meaning?
Meaning of "kill two birds with one stone"
Meaning
The idiom “kill two birds with one stone” means to accomplish two objectives with a single action or effort. The expression suggests that a person can achieve two goals at once, with less work than it would take to achieve them separately. It is an example of a proverb, or an expression used to express some practical or moral truth. As with many proverbs, the meaning of "kill two birds with one stone" is much deeper than the literal interpretation of the words. It encourages a person to think creatively and come up with solutions that are more efficient than traditional solutions.
Etymology
The exact origin of the idiom “kill two birds with one stone” is not known. It is believed to have originated in the early 17th century, as a reference to hunting with a bow and arrow. A skilled marksman would sometimes be able to shoot two birds with a single arrow, saving time and resources. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass any situation in which two objectives are achieved with a single action.
Usage
The idiom “kill two birds with one stone” is commonly used in both informal and formal conversations. It is most commonly used to describe situations in which a person is able to accomplish two things at once, and it is also used in more figurative contexts to encourage creative and more efficient solutions.
The phrase can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used as a noun phrase ("killing two birds with one stone"), or as a verb phrase ("kill two birds with one stone"). It can also be used in the present tense ("I'm killing two birds with one stone"), or in the past tense ("I killed two birds with one stone"). In some cases, the phrase “have one’s cake and eat it too” is used as an equivalent of “kill two birds with one stone,” though it does not have the same literal meaning.
Example Sentences
- I'm killing two birds with one stone by getting my errands done while I'm already out.
- By taking this job, I can kill two birds with one stone: gain experience
The Global Spread of English Idioms
As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.
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