faire d’une pierre deux coups

“Faire d’une pierre deux coups” is a French idiom that literally translates as “to make two strikes with one stone.” It means to reach several objectives with a single action, or to achieve two things at the same time with a single action.

The English equivalent of this French saying is “to kill two birds with one stone.”

The French expression is attributed to Montaigne in the 16th century, but may well date back earlier.

Don’t miss out on new posts – subscribe now!

Don’t miss new articles!

Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Similar Posts

  • verb: sentir & se sentir

    Meaning “Sentir” vs “Se Sentir” The key distinction between “sentir” and “se sentir” lies in the context and the object of the verb. “Sentir” focuses on external sensations or perceptions, whereas “se sentir” is inward, concerned with one’s emotional and physical state. Conjugation Let’s take a look at how “sentir” and “se sentir” are conjugated…

  • Grammar: Imperfect tense

    The Imperfect verb tense (l’imparfait) in French is used to express continuous action in the past. If we use the English verb “to give” as an example, the meanings of the French Imperfect version of this verb would be “I was giving,” “I used to give,” “I kept on giving,” or even “I gave.” There…

  • levée de boucliers

    The French expression “levée de boucliers” literally means a raising of the shields. It dates back to ancient Roman times, when soldiers who opposed the wishes of their generals would raise their shields above their heads as a demonstration of their disapproval. Since the middle of the 15th century, this saying has come to mean…

  • | |

    Devant

    The French word “devant” can be used as a preposition, as an adverb, or as a noun. Preposition As a preposition, “devant” means “in front of,” “ahead of” or “before.” Adverb As an adverb, “devant” means “in front,” “at the front,” or “ahead.” Noun As a masculine noun, “le devant” means “the front.”

  • venir

    The French verb “venir” means “to come.” It is one of the most frequently used verbs in the French language. Present Tense (Présent) Future Tense (Futur Simple) Passé Composé In the passé composé, the verb “venir” uses “être” as the auxiliary verb, and the past participle “venu” agrees in gender and number with the subject.