Meaning
“To shoot two hawks with one arrow” means to achieve two goals with a single action. It is equivalent to the English idiom “to kill two birds with one stone,” and is used to praise efficiency, cleverness, or strategic thinking.
Word breakdown
- 一 (yī) – one
- 箭 (jiàn) – arrow
- 双 (shuāng) – two, a pair
- 雕 (diāo) – eagle or hawk
The idiom literally means “one arrow, two hawks,” referring to a single effort producing a double result.
Historical Origin
The idiom is believed to originate from stories told during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, particularly about archers known for extraordinary skill.
According to legend, a famous general or hunter once shot an arrow that killed two hawks in flight at the same time. This incredible feat was retold and eventually became a metaphor for accomplishing two things at once with one clever or powerful move.
The idiom was later popularized in classical literature and military strategy, symbolizing both skill and wisdom.
Modern Usage
一箭双雕 is used to describe situations where one action brings two (or more) benefits, often unintentionally or through clever design.
Example situations
- Sending one email that solves two separate problems
- A business strategy that increases sales and improves public image
- Traveling somewhere for work and visiting a friend while there
Example sentences
- 我们这次出差顺便拜访了老客户，真是一箭双雕。
(On this business trip, we also visited an old client—two birds with one arrow.) - 学习中文不但能了解文化，还能提高就业机会，真是一箭双雕。
(Learning Chinese helps you understand the culture and improves your job prospects—definitely a double win.)
Short Story
小林打算去北京旅游，正好公司安排他出差去那儿。
他一边完成了工作任务，一边也游览了长城和故宫。
朋友说：“你这次一箭双雕啊！”
English Translation
Xiao Lin was planning to travel to Beijing when his company happened to send him there on a business trip.
He completed his work tasks and also visited the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.
His friend said, “You really hit two hawks with one arrow!”
Traditional Chinese Characters
一箭雙鵰
Conclusion
一箭双雕 is a positive idiom that celebrates achieving more with less. It reminds us of the value of strategic thinking and making the most of every opportunity. Whether in daily life, study, or business, finding ways to do two things at once is both smart and efficient.