“Kill two birds with one stone” is a popular idiom used to describe achieving two objectives with a single effort. While effective, using the same phrase repeatedly in speech or writing can become repetitive.
Expanding your vocabulary with alternative expressions can make your language more engaging, creative, and professional.
Whether you’re writing an article, giving a presentation, or simply looking to refine your English skills, knowing multiple ways to express this idea will add variety to your communication.
27 Other Ways to Say “Kill Two Birds with One Stone”
- Achieve two things at once
- Cover two bases
- Solve two problems at once
- Hit two targets with one shot
- Get two things done with one effort
- Make the most of it
- Save time and effort
- Do double duty
- Accomplish two goals at once
- Catch two fish with one worm
- Reap double benefits
- Tackle two issues simultaneously
- Get more bang for your buck
- Make one move, get double results
- Knock out two tasks in one go
- Do more with less effort
- Gain two advantages in one stroke
- Optimize your efforts
- Take care of two things in one shot
- Maximize efficiency
- Combine two needs into one solution
- Check two things off your list
- Handle two matters with one solution
- Solve two birds with one seed
- Hit a two-for-one deal
- Make one effort count twice
- Win twice with one move
1. Achieve Two Things at Once
Definition: To complete two tasks with a single action or effort.
Description: This phrase is a straightforward way to express the idea of efficiency without using an idiom. It works well in both professional and casual settings.
Usage Examples:
- By taking the online course, she could achieve two things at once—learning a new skill and earning a certification.
- Walking to work helps him achieve two things at once—exercise and commuting.
2. Cover Two Bases
Definition: To address two important aspects or issues in one step.
Description: This phrase is derived from baseball but is commonly used in general speech to mean handling multiple concerns efficiently.
Usage Examples:
- By discussing both marketing and sales in the meeting, we can cover two bases.
- Investing in eco-friendly packaging helps cover two bases—reducing costs and improving brand image.
3. Solve Two Problems at Once
Definition: To find one solution that effectively addresses two separate problems.
Description: This phrase clearly communicates the idea without using figurative language, making it ideal for formal and business communication.
Usage Examples:
- Upgrading the software will solve two problems at once—speed and security.
- Hiring a bilingual employee will solve two problems at once by improving communication and expanding customer reach.
4. Hit Two Targets with One Shot
Definition: To successfully achieve two objectives with one action.
Description: This variation keeps the original idea intact but replaces birds with “targets,” making it more neutral.
Usage Examples:
- Launching a social media campaign will hit two targets with one shot—increasing brand awareness and boosting engagement.
- By scheduling back-to-back meetings, she was able to hit two targets with one shot.
5. Get Two Things Done with One Effort
Definition: To efficiently complete multiple tasks in a single attempt.
Description: This phrase is a clear and simple way to express the concept without using metaphors.
Usage Examples:
- By meal prepping on Sundays, she gets two things done with one effort—saving time and eating healthy.
- Reading business books on his commute allows him to get two things done with one effort.
6. Make the Most of It
Definition: To maximize the benefits of a situation by achieving multiple goals.
Description: This phrase suggests optimizing resources, time, or effort to get the best results possible.
Usage Examples:
- He decided to make the most of it by combining his business trip with a short vacation.
- Since she was already in the city, she made the most of it by meeting with clients and visiting friends.
7. Save Time and Effort
Definition: To reduce the amount of time and energy needed to complete multiple tasks.
Description: This phrase is perfect for work-related or productivity discussions.
Usage Examples:
- Using automation tools helps businesses save time and effort on repetitive tasks.
- Cooking meals in bulk allows her to save time and effort during the week.
8. Do Double Duty
Definition: To perform two functions or tasks at the same time.
Description: This phrase is often used to describe people or objects that serve more than one purpose.
Usage Examples:
- This sofa bed does double duty as a couch during the day and a bed at night.
- She does double duty as both a manager and a mentor to new employees.
9. Accomplish Two Goals at Once
Definition: To successfully complete two objectives in a single action.
Description: This phrase is a direct and professional way to express efficiency.
Usage Examples:
- The new software update will accomplish two goals at once—improving security and user experience.
- Attending networking events helps professionals accomplish two goals at once—learning and making connections.
10. Catch Two Fish with One Worm
Definition: To achieve two outcomes using a single resource.
Description: This phrase is a nature-inspired variation of the original idiom.
Usage Examples:
- By partnering with influencers, brands can catch two fish with one worm—increasing visibility and credibility.
- Studying with a friend helps you catch two fish with one worm—learning and socializing.
11. Reap Double Benefits
Definition: To gain two advantages from one action or decision.
Description: This phrase works well for discussions about strategy, business, or self-improvement.
Usage Examples:
- Exercising outdoors allows you to reap double benefits—fitness and fresh air.
- Investing in employee training helps companies reap double benefits—better skills and higher retention rates.
12. Tackle Two Issues Simultaneously
Definition: To deal with two challenges at the same time.
Description: This phrase is particularly useful in professional or academic contexts.
Usage Examples:
- The new policy will tackle two issues simultaneously—cost reduction and sustainability.
- By restructuring the team, the manager was able to tackle two issues simultaneously—productivity and morale.
13. Get More Bang for Your Buck
Definition: To get greater value or results from one effort or expense.
Description: This phrase is often used in financial or consumer-related contexts.
Usage Examples:
- Buying in bulk helps customers get more bang for their buck.
- Digital marketing allows businesses to get more bang for their buck compared to traditional advertising.
14. Make One Move, Get Double Results
Definition: To take a single action that leads to two positive outcomes.
Description: This phrase emphasizes strategic decision-making.
Usage Examples:
- Investing in solar panels helps homeowners make one move, get double results—saving money and protecting the environment.
- Learning a second language helps students make one move, get double results—expanding career opportunities and cultural understanding.
15. Knock Out Two Tasks in One Go
Definition: To complete two jobs efficiently in one attempt.
Description: This phrase is perfect for discussing productivity and time management.
Usage Examples:
- Running errands on the way home allows her to knock out two tasks in one go.
- Listening to audiobooks while exercising helps him knock out two tasks in one go.
16. Do More with Less Effort
Definition: To achieve greater results with minimal input.
Description: This phrase is ideal for productivity and efficiency discussions.
Usage Examples:
- Using automation tools helps professionals do more with less effort.
- A well-planned schedule allows students to do more with less effort.
17. Gain Two Advantages in One Stroke
Definition: To receive two benefits from a single action.
Description: This phrase works well in business and strategic discussions.
Usage Examples:
- Switching to remote work allows companies to gain two advantages in one stroke—cost savings and employee satisfaction.
- By eating healthier, he was able to gain two advantages in one stroke—weight loss and better energy levels.
18. Optimize Your Efforts
Definition: To make the best use of time, energy, or resources to achieve multiple results.
Description: This phrase is widely used in productivity, business, and personal growth discussions.
Usage Examples:
- By automating repetitive tasks, companies can optimize their efforts and focus on strategic growth.
- Learning time management techniques helps students optimize their efforts in studying.
19. Take Care of Two Things in One Shot
Definition: To complete two tasks at once using a single action.
Description: A simple and practical way to express efficiency, often used in daily conversations.
Usage Examples:
- Shopping online allows her to take care of two things in one shot—buying groceries and household essentials.
- By switching banks, he was able to take care of two things in one shot—getting a lower interest rate and better customer service.
20. Maximize Efficiency
Definition: To increase productivity and effectiveness by making smart use of resources.
Description: This phrase is often used in corporate and professional settings to highlight strategic actions.
Usage Examples:
- The new workflow system will help the company maximize efficiency by reducing unnecessary steps.
- Outsourcing repetitive tasks allows businesses to maximize efficiency and focus on core projects.
21. Combine Two Needs into One Solution
Definition: To merge two separate requirements into a single, effective resolution.
Description: This phrase is useful in problem-solving and strategic decision-making discussions.
Usage Examples:
- The new hybrid work policy helps combine two needs into one solution—employee flexibility and office collaboration.
- A convertible car seat combines two needs into one solution—safety and longevity.
22. Check Two Things Off Your List
Definition: To complete two tasks from a to-do list at the same time.
Description: A casual and practical way to describe multitasking efficiently.
Usage Examples:
- Cooking dinner while listening to a podcast allows her to check two things off her list.
- Running errands in one trip helped him check two things off his list quickly.
23. Handle Two Matters with One Solution
Definition: To resolve two issues simultaneously with a single answer or approach.
Description: A professional and strategic way to express problem-solving.
Usage Examples:
- Updating company policies on remote work and security handles two matters with one solution.
- Investing in a language-learning course handles two matters with one solution—career growth and travel preparation.
24. Solve Two Birds with One Seed
Definition: A variation of the original idiom that uses a more animal-friendly metaphor.
Description: This phrase keeps the essence of efficiency but removes any violent connotation.
Usage Examples:
- By switching to digital receipts, the store was able to solve two birds with one seed—reducing paper waste and saving costs.
- Installing solar panels helps homeowners solve two birds with one seed—lowering energy bills and promoting sustainability.
25. Hit a Two-for-One Deal
Definition: To get two benefits for the price of one.
Description: This phrase is commonly used in sales, shopping, and financial discussions.
Usage Examples:
- Buying a bundled subscription allows you to hit a two-for-one deal—access to music and video streaming.
- Choosing an all-in-one printer lets you hit a two-for-one deal—printing and scanning with one device.
26. Make One Effort Count Twice
Definition: To perform an action that yields double the expected results.
Description: This phrase highlights the efficiency of a well-thought-out strategy.
Usage Examples:
- Taking a professional course online allows him to make one effort count twice—gaining knowledge and a certification.
- Meal prepping on weekends helps her make one effort count twice—saving both time and money.
27. Win Twice with One Move
Definition: To gain two successes with a single action or decision.
Description: This phrase conveys a sense of strategy and smart decision-making.
Usage Examples:
- By investing in employee training, the company was able to win twice with one move—improving productivity and employee retention.
- Launching a bilingual website allowed the business to win twice with one move—expanding its audience and improving accessibility.
Conclusion:
Expanding your vocabulary with alternative ways to say “kill two birds with one stone” helps you sound more creative, professional, and engaging in different situations.
Whether you’re writing for business, casual conversation, or formal presentations, using variations of this idiom can add versatility to your communication.
