PhrasesHub

A bird in hand is worth two in the bush

    Definitions

      • prioritize what is currently available or certain
        Emphasize the value of what is currently in possession, as opposed to the potential value of something that may or may not be obtained in the future

      • caution against greed or risk-taking
        Warn against taking unnecessary risks or making decisions based on the potential for greater gain, as it may result in losing what is already guaranteed or secured

      • appreciate what one has
        Encourage gratitude and contentment with what is currently available, rather than constantly seeking or chasing after more

    Examples of A bird in hand is worth two in the bush

    • Sarah was offered a job with a starting salary of $40,000. She knew that she could potentially earn more at another company, but she decided to accept the offer because she believed that a bird in hand was worth two in the bush.

      This idiom means that it's better to have something definite and certain (a bird in hand) than to hope for something that may or may not happen (two birds in the bush). In Sarah's case, she chose the security and stability of a job offer over the uncertainty of potentially finding a better job in the future.

    • The team had a choice between pursuing a risky but potentially lucrative project or sticking with a more reliable and less profitable one. They ultimately decided that a bird in hand was worth two in the bush and opted for the less risky option.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in decision-making situations. By choosing the less risky option, the team was able to guarantee some level of success, rather than risking everything for a potentially large reward.

    • The company had been trying to secure a major contract for months, but the negotiations were taking longer than expected. Some executives suggested that they should continue pursuing the contract, while others argued that a bird in hand was worth two in the bush and that they should focus on other opportunities.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used in business and negotiations. By choosing to focus on other opportunities, the company was able to secure smaller but more certain wins, rather than risking everything on a single, uncertain outcome.

    • The politician was facing a difficult decision: whether to support a bill that would have a significant impact on his constituents, but that he personally disagreed with, or to oppose the bill and potentially lose support from his party. In the end, he decided that a bird in hand was worth two in the bush and supported the bill, recognizing that it was the best course of action for his constituents.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in political decision-making. By prioritizing the needs of his constituents over his personal beliefs, the politician was able to ensure that he would have the support of his constituents, rather than risking their anger and potentially losing their support.

    • The student had to choose between studying for an upcoming exam or going out with friends. She ultimately decided that a bird in hand was worth two in the bush and chose to study, recognizing that a good grade on the exam was more important than a night out with friends.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used in personal decision-making. By prioritizing her academic success over social activities, the student was able to ensure that she would have a good grade on the exam, rather than risking a lower grade and potentially having to retake the exam.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a bird in hand is worth two in the bush" is often used to express the idea of prioritizing and valuing what is certain and available in the present moment over the potential for something better in the future. It can also serve as a caution against being overly greedy or taking unnecessary risks.

    In a broader sense, the idiom can also be interpreted as an encouragement to appreciate and be grateful for what one already has, rather than constantly seeking or chasing after more. It serves as a reminder to be content with what is currently in possession, rather than always yearning for something better.

    Origin of "A bird in hand is worth two in the bush"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it first appeared in various forms in English literature. The earliest known written version of the phrase is found in the 15th-century collection of proverbs, "The Life of St Katherine" by John Capgrave. The exact origin of the idiom is unknown, but it is believed to have originated from medieval falconry, where a bird in hand (a captured bird) was considered more valuable than two birds in a bush (potential prey).

    Over time, the phrase evolved and became more widely used in everyday language. It has been used in various forms and variations in literature, including in William Shakespeare's play "Henry V" and in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales." Today, the idiom is commonly used to express the importance of valuing and appreciating what one already has, rather than constantly seeking for something better.