Meaning
To achieve two goals with a single action.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, this idiom is often used with a rhythmic intonation. It's common to hear it in the context of 'Shatara' (cleverness) in trade. Egyptians use this phrase frequently in fast-paced Cairo life. It's often shortened to just 'Asfurayn bi-hajar' in casual speech. In the Gulf, the phrase is used in both business and social contexts, often emphasizing the wisdom of the action. While the standard Arabic version is understood, local dialects might use different verbs for 'hit,' but the 'birds and stone' imagery remains the gold standard for efficiency.
Use it to impress
Using this idiom in a job interview shows you value efficiency and have a good grasp of cultural nuances.
Don't over-conjugate
While you can change the verb tense, the rest of the phrase (asfurayn bi-hajar wahid) is usually kept exactly as is.
Meaning
To achieve two goals with a single action.
Use it to impress
Using this idiom in a job interview shows you value efficiency and have a good grasp of cultural nuances.
Don't over-conjugate
While you can change the verb tense, the rest of the phrase (asfurayn bi-hajar wahid) is usually kept exactly as is.
Dialect variations
In Egypt, you might hear 'Asfurayn bi-hagar' (with a hard G). Don't be confused; it's the same idiom!
Test Yourself
Complete the idiom with the correct words.
يضرب عصفورين بـ_______ واحد.
The idiom specifically uses 'hajar' (stone).
Which situation best fits the idiom?
Sami went to the bank and the post office because they are in the same building.
This is a classic example of efficiency.
Match the Arabic word to its English meaning in the idiom.
Match the following:
These are the literal components of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: سأذهب للجري وأستمع لدرس اللغة العربية. ليلى: فكرة رائعة! أنت تضرب _______.
This is the correct full form of the idiom.
Match the action to the 'Two Birds' result.
Action: Buying a laptop that comes with a free printer.
One purchase resulted in two useful items.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesيضرب عصفورين بـ_______ واحد.
The idiom specifically uses 'hajar' (stone).
Sami went to the bank and the post office because they are in the same building.
This is a classic example of efficiency.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the literal components of the phrase.
أحمد: سأذهب للجري وأستمع لدرس اللغة العربية. ليلى: فكرة رائعة! أنت تضرب _______.
This is the correct full form of the idiom.
Action: Buying a laptop that comes with a free printer.
One purchase resulted in two useful items.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in a newspaper article or with your friends at a cafe.
Technically you could, but it wouldn't be the standard idiom. People might find it funny or clever if you say 'ضربت ثلاثة عصافير بحجر واحد'.
'Asfur' is the traditional word used in this specific idiom, likely because sparrows are small and common targets.
Not at all. The literal meaning is completely ignored in favor of the figurative meaning of efficiency.
Using the wrong preposition. Remember it is 'bi-hajar' (with a stone), not 'ma'a hajar'.
Related Phrases
ضربة معلم
similarA masterstroke / a very clever move.
عصفور في اليد خير من عشرة على الشجرة
similarA bird in the hand is worth ten on the tree.
زيادة الخير خيرين
builds onDouble the goodness is even better.
بضربة واحدة
similarWith one blow / in one go.
