Chinese idiom · 成语
一箭双雕
Meaning
To achieve two goals with one action; kill two birds with one stone.
Character by character
Origin and story
Historical accountThe Bei Shi (北史), volume 22, records an archery feat by Changsun Sheng. While serving Northern Zhou, he accompanied a diplomatic marriage mission to the Turks. Their ruler, Shetu, admired his skills and often hunted with him. On one outing, two eagles were fighting over a piece of meat in flight. Shetu gave Changsun Sheng two arrows and asked him to shoot the birds. Changsun Sheng rode forward and struck both with a single shot.
The account illustrates exceptional archery; the later idiom turns that image into a metaphor for achieving two results through one action. A similar feat by Gao Pian is recorded in the Xin Tang Shu (新唐書), so the two named archers belong to separate accounts.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
骑自行车上班既能锻炼身体，又能省下车费，真是一箭双雕。
Cycling to work gives me exercise and saves travel costs—two benefits from one activity.
Both benefits should come from the same action.