"One arrow, two hawks" literally means shooting a single arrow and hitting two hawks at the same time. This idiom comes from the "History of Northern Dynasties: Biography of Zhangsun Sheng," which records the story of the famous Northern Zhou general Zhangsun Sheng piercing two hawks with one arrow. It is used as a metaphor for achieving two goals through a single action, that is, gaining two advantages with one effort. Its deeper meaning lies in emphasizing efficiency and cleverness in solving two problems at once or obtaining dual benefits, and it is often used to describe a brilliant strategy and precise action. In terms of emotional coloring, it is a commendatory term, carrying a sense of praise and admiration. It is used in a wide range of contexts. For example, in business negotiations, a plan that both reduces costs and improves efficiency can be called one arrow, two hawks; in interpersonal communication, a well-chosen remark that both eases awkwardness and strengthens rapport is also one arrow, two hawks. In terms of cultural background, it reflects ancient China's admiration for wisdom and efficiency, as well as the important place of archery culture in military and daily life. It should be noted that it emphasizes two positive results brought about by one action, rather than a chance coincidence.
📝 Example
1. The new policy introduced by the company both reduced expenses and improved employee satisfaction—truly killing two birds with one stone. (A metaphor for achieving two goals with a single action.)
2. He took advantage of this business trip to both complete business negotiations and visit an old friend—one could say he killed two birds with one stone. (Describing achieving two things at once.)