Question

What does it mean to "kill two birds with one stone"?

• A. To hunt successfully
• B. To achieve two goals with a single action
• C. To fail at two tasks simultaneously
• D. To cause an accident

Answer 1

Answer:

B. To achieve two goals with a single action

Understanding the Idiom: "Kill Two Birds with One Stone"

• This idiom means to achieve two successful outcomes or solve two problems by means of a single effort or action.
• It implies efficiency and resourcefulness, highlighting the ability to maximize productivity from a single task.

Origin and Usage

• The phrase is believed to have originated from a fable or popular saying related to hunting, where a skillful hunter might aim to strike two birds with a single projectile. While its exact historical origin is debated, its practical meaning has been widely understood for centuries.
• It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to praise an efficient solution or strategy.

Competitive Exam Relevance

• Idioms and phrases are frequently tested in the English Language and Grammar sections of competitive examinations.
• Questions often require candidates to identify the correct meaning of an idiom or to use it appropriately in a sentence.
• Understanding such expressions is crucial for improving vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Similar Idioms/Phrases

• "Hit two targets with one arrow": A less common but similar expression.
• "Get two for the price of one": While more literal, it conveys a similar sense of dual benefit.
• "Achieve a double benefit" or "Gain a dual advantage": More straightforward ways to express the same idea.
• "Strike two things at once": Another variant focusing on the simultaneous action.

Example for Clarity

• If you study for your history test by watching a documentary that also covers the literature from that period, you are "killing two birds with one stone" because you are preparing for both subjects simultaneously.