一举两得
一举两得 (yī jǔ liǎng dé) literally means “one action two gains” and expresses “kill two birds with one stone”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: yi ju liang de, yi ju liang de,一举两得 meaning, 一举两得 in english
Kill two birds with one stone
Pronunciation: yī jǔ liǎng dé Literal meaning: One action two gains
Origin & Usage
One (一) action (举) and two (两) gains (得). 举 is a single lifting or raising, the smallest complete unit of doing something, so the arithmetic is stated as plainly as it can be: the cost was paid once and collected on twice. Chinese uses it constantly, and it is worth distinguishing from 一石二鸟, which is a translated phrase — this one is native and carries no foreign register at all. It is what people reach for when justifying a decision that happened to solve a second problem.
Examples
English: "Cycling to work saves money and improves health at the same time."
Chinese: 骑车上班既省钱又健身，一举两得。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
两虎相争
liǎng hǔ xiāng zhēng
Fierce competition between equals
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半斤八两
bàn jīn bā liǎng
Essentially the same despite appearances
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独一无二
dú yī wú èr
One of a kind; unique
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异曲同工
yì qǔ tóng gōng
Different methods, equally good results
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难兄难弟
nán xiōng nán dì
Two brothers of equal merit; now often said ironically
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大同小异
dà tóng xiǎo yì
Essentially the same with minor differences
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举一反三
jǔ yī fǎn sān
Learn many from one example
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多此一举
duō cǐ yī jǔ
Unnecessary action
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一举两得 mean in English?
一举两得 (yī jǔ liǎng dé) literally translates to “One action two gains” and is used to express “Kill two birds with one stone”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 一举两得 used?
Situation: Cycling to work saves money and improves health at the same time.
What is the pinyin for 一举两得?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一举两得 is “yī jǔ liǎng dé”.