Completing two tasks at once is a great feat, so you need a good idiom to highlight your success.
However, are you worried that kill two birds with one stone might be offensive?
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
After all, this article will share some great synonyms to teach you a better way to say kill two birds with one stone.
8 Alternative Ways to Say “Kill Two Birds With One Stone”
Here are the 8 best alternatives to use as a formal synonym for kill two birds with one stone:
- Hit two targets with a single shot
- Solve two problems with one solution
- Get two tasks done in one go
- Fill two needs with one deed
- Take care of two things at once
- Accomplish two goals in one fell swoop
- Do two things simultaneously
- Mash two potatoes with one fork
1. Hit Two Targets With a Single Shot
You can use hit two targets with a single shot instead of kill two birds with one stone.
It’s a great formal synonym that shows you’ve completed two tasks at once.
We recommend using it when emailing an employee. It lets them know that you need them to be quite efficient when it comes to completing a new task.
Also, we recommend reviewing the following example:
Dear Thomas,
I implore you to hit two targets with a single shot here. That way, we can maximize efficiency with this task.
All the best,
Sean Willis
2. Solve Two Problems With One Solution
Feel free to use solve two problems with one solution as a professional way to say kill two birds with one stone.
It’s great to include in a formal email because it shows that you’d like someone to figure out two problems at once.
If someone is capable of doing that, it proves that they’re incredibly efficient. This is a great thing to test with an employee when you need tasks done.
Here’s a helpful email sample to show you how it works:
Dear Abigail,
You need to solve two problems with one solution. I know it’s a lot of pressure, but there’s no other way forward.
Best wishes,
Dean Shawty
3. Get Two Tasks Done in One Go
You can use get two tasks done in one go as another great idiom. It shows you’re willing to get two tasks done quickly.
Generally, this works well when messaging your boss. It lets them know that you’ve done everything you can to try and do as much work as possible.
If you’re still unsure, check out the following email sample:
Dear Mr. Kirkland,
I managed to get two tasks done in one go. So, I’ve attached two files to demonstrate the work I’ve completed.
Yours,
Sam Bergner
4. Fill Two Needs With One Deed
For something a bit more fun and unique, you can use fill two needs with one deed. It’s a great alternative that shows you’re trying to complete two things at once.
We recommend using it when emailing an employee. It encourages them to do what they can to find out whether they can complete a task efficiently.
Generally, not every employee will be able to be that efficient. However, it’s worth asking to find out whether they’re able to help you with whatever you need them to do.
We also recommend reviewing the following example:
Dear Amy,
You should fill two needs with one deed and ask him for help. I’m sure it’ll be a great way to move forward with this project.
Yours,
Tony Marsh
5. Take Care of Two Things at Once
Next, you can try take care of two things at once. It’s not an idiom per se, but it’s a great phrase that shows you have completed two tasks.
Sometimes, this phrase means you didn’t intend to complete two tasks at once. It’s a great way to show you were accidentally efficient.
This generally works well when confirming a project’s completion with your boss.
Here’s a great email sample to help you with it:
Dear Miss Kitch,
I managed to take care of two things at once. I was quite impressed with my ability to move through that.
All the best,
Daniel Day
6. Accomplish Two Goals in One Fell Swoop
Another idiom you can use instead of kill two birds with one stone is accomplish two goals in one fell swoop.
It’s a great way to show that you’ve achieved two tasks in one. We recommend using it when emailing a coworker if you’re working on a team project.
If you’re still unsure, check out this example:
Dear Hillary,
I accomplished two goals in one fell swoop. Hopefully, that’ll help to put our team in the running again.
Yours,
Kyle Martins
7. Do Two Things Simultaneously
For something a little simpler, try do two things simultaneously.
So far, we’ve only touched on idiomatic expressions. This one is a simple statement.
It shows you complete two tasks at once. It’s short and to the point, making it a formal and direct choice to include in an email.
Here’s a great example to help you understand more about it:
Dear Michael,
I managed to do two things simultaneously while completing this assignment. Let me know what you think about my success.
All the best,
Bailey Worthy
8. Mash Two Potatoes With One Fork
For a vegan alternative to kill two birds with one stone, try mash two potatoes with one fork.
Of course, no birds are killed in this phrase. Instead, it refers to mashing potatoes in an efficient way.
It’s a funny and friendly alternative to include. Generally, it’s a good option if you’re looking to make the recipient laugh.
You can also review this email sample:
Dear Hazel,
I would like to mash two potatoes with one fork and ask them for help. What do you think about that move?
Best regards,
Don Wallsaw
Is It Correct to Say “Kill Two Birds With One Stone”?
Kill two birds with one stone is correct to use in conversational situations.
It’s an idiom meaning that you complete two tasks at once.
It’s not offensive, though it does reference killing two birds. Therefore, strict vegans might be a bit upset if you use it around them, as it implies you’re happy to kill an animal.
It’s not professional, though. Generally, you wouldn’t include something like this in a formal email because it wouldn’t make much sense.
This example will teach you how to use kill two birds with one stone correctly:
I’d like you to kill two birds with one stone here. Complete both things at once; just do it in a clever way!
Of course, you can use kill two birds with one stone in informal emails. For example:
Hi Matt,
I killed two birds with one stone and got them both done! I’ve attached the work to show you what I mean.
Best,
Peter Pettigrew
