two birds, one stone

Definitions

Phrase. [C2]

Examples

“Gould is to go before the Legislature for legislation favorable to the elevated system. The cable road will oppose⟳ this. But while the fight⟳ between the two presumably rival companies wages hottest it is expected that there will be a halt and truce all of a sudden between the two, and as a compromise that each will consent that the legislation sought by the other shall be permitted to go through. Two birds, one stone—Jay scores a double⟳ victory.”

“My friend Ruth loves to contra dance⟳ and she met her fiancé Paul that way (two birds, one stone).”

“And now she was pitching to him over dinner? ‘Is that standard practice?’ ‘Well, strictly speaking, no. But we’re all crazy busy and we gotta eat⟳, right? This way, two birds, one stone.’”

“On another occasion, when trying to brainstorm things I could do to make⟳ myself feel⟳ better despite all the pandemic restrictions, Woebot suggested I “try⟳ doing something nice for someone in your life,” like⟳ make⟳ a calming tea for my housemate or check in with a loved one. I poured my mum some chamomile: Two birds, one stone.”

CEFR level