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Have you ever accomplished two different tasks with one single effort? If so, you made efficient use of your time and killed two birds with one stone. This expression can be used in both personal and professional contexts. For example:
- We have to go to London next week for a client meeting. We’re going to kill two birds with one stone and do some competitor analysis while we’re there.
- Biking to work is a good way to kill two birds with one stone. It saves you money and gives you daily exercise.
We often use this expression when we realize that we can modify a plan to make it more efficient, such as in the below dialogue:
A. Can you pick up dinner on the way home?
B. Sure! I have to go to the bank on 34th Street, so I’ll pick up food from the restaurant next door and kill two birds with one stone.
Did you know? This phrase dates back to the 17th century.