A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush

Definitions

• prioritize what you already have
  Emphasize the importance of valuing what you currently possess over the potential of gaining more in the future

• caution against greed
  Warn against taking unnecessary risks in pursuit of greater rewards, as it may result in losing what is already secured

Examples of A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush

• I've decided to accept the job offer I have now, even though it's not my dream job, because a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.

  This idiom means that it's better to have something that's guaranteed, even if it's not perfect, rather than risk not having anything at all. In this example, the speaker is choosing to take a job that's available now, rather than waiting for a better opportunity that may never come.

• I'm not willing to wait for my dream home to become available. I'd rather settle for a house that's currently on the market, because a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.

  This idiom can also be used in situations where there are multiple options available, but one is already within reach. In this case, the speaker doesn't want to risk losing the opportunity they have now by holding out for something that may not materialize.

• I'm not willing to gamble on a stock that has a high risk of losing value. I'd rather invest in a bond, because a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.

  This idiom can be applied to financial decisions as well. It encourages people to choose investments that are more secure, even if they don't offer as high of a potential return, because the risk of loss is minimized.

• I'm aware that my current employer may not offer me the same opportunities for advancement as my dream company, but a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush. I'll continue to work hard and build my skills with my current company, because I know I have a job and a steady income now.

  This idiom can also be used in professional situations to describe choosing a more practical path over a riskier one. The speaker recognizes that there may be other opportunities that are more promising, but they're content to stay where they are for the time being, rather than gambling on an uncertain future.

• John decided to accept the job offer he received rather than continuing with his job search. He reasoned that a bird in the hand, in this case, the job he had been offered, was better than the possibility of finding two better job offers in the future, which were still uncertain.

  The expression "a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush" essentially means that it is preferable to have certain benefits or opportunities in hand than to have uncertain potential opportunities. This idiom reflects the idea that the certainty of what is already in hand is more valuable and preferable than the potential future opportunities that are uncertain or unattainable. In our example, John did not want to risk losing the job he had been offered by continuing his job search, as he recognized that the job he already had was better than the possibility of finding something better in the future.

• The manager offered Alice a promotion with a smaller salary, but she declined and chose to stay in her current position with a higher salary.

  In this example, the idiom "a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush" is used figuratively to mean that Alice preferred the certainty of her current position with a higher salary, rather than taking a chance on an uncertain future with a promotion and a smaller salary.

• Samantha had to choose between two job offers. One was from a small startup company with the potential for a much higher salary and stock options, but the company was still in its early stages and there was no guarantee of success. The other offer was from a well-established company with a lower salary, but job security and a clear career path.

  In this example, Samantha's decision to accept the job offer from the well-established company can be seen as a practical choice based on the idiom "a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush." She preferred the security and stability of the established company to the uncertainty of the startup's future.

• Sarah was considering starting her own business, but she was hesitant because she didn't have enough funding to get started. Her friend, who was already a successful entrepreneur, encouraged her to take the leap. Sarah's friend told her, "It's better to have a bird in the hand than to chase two in the bush."

  In this example, the idiom "a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush" means that Sarah's friend was advising her to take the more practical and secure option of starting her own business with the resources she had, instead of putting all her eggs in one basket and risking losing everything by trying to start a new venture with very little funding.

Conclusion

The idiom "A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush" is commonly used to advise against taking unnecessary risks and to prioritize what one already has. It encourages individuals to appreciate and value their current possessions, opportunities, or successes, rather than constantly seeking more and potentially losing what they already have. The idiom serves as a reminder to be content with what is already secured, rather than risking it for the possibility of gaining more in the future.

Origin of "A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to medieval falconry, where the birds would be trapped by hand as they were more valuable than those caught in a net or trap. The idiom has been used in various forms and languages throughout history, often with the same overarching message of valuing what is already possessed over the uncertainty of potential future gains. Over time, it has become a widely recognized and frequently used phrase in English-speaking countries, serving as a timeless piece of wisdom.