To achieve two things at one stroke; to kill two birds with one stone; to get two gains from one effort.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a brave warrior from the State of Lu named Bian Zhuangzi. He was known for his courage, even daring to fight tigers alone.
One day, he heard there were two tigers on a mountain and planned to go hunt them. A friend advised him, saying, "Do not rush. Wait until the two tigers fight over their prey. When one is killed and the other is wounded, then you can easily deal with the remaining one. That way, you will achieve two things at one stroke."
Bian Zhuangzi took his friend's advice and waited patiently. Eventually, he saw the two tigers fighting fiercely over a yellow ox. The larger tiger, in its hunger, killed the smaller one. Seeing that the remaining large tiger was also exhausted and wounded from the fight, Bian Zhuangzi felt the timing was perfect. He then easily killed the large tiger, thus achieving his goal with minimal effort.