Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Definitions

• to diversify and not rely on one option or possibility
  Encourage someone to spread out their resources or efforts among multiple options, reducing the risk of failure or loss if one option fails

• to be cautious and not take unnecessary risks
  Advise against taking a gamble or making a risky decision, as it could result in losing everything

Examples of Don't put all your eggs in one basket

• Sarah was relying heavily on her new business venture to provide her with a stable income. Her friends advised her not to put all her eggs in one basket and encouraged her to diversify her sources of income.

  This idiom means that one should not depend solely on one thing or source of income, as it can be risky and unpredictable. By diversifying her income streams, Sarah can spread her risks and minimize the impact of any potential failures or setbacks.2. Kill two birds with one stone

• Emma decided to attend a networking event for both her personal and professional goals. By killing two birds with one stone, she was able to meet new people in her industry and potentially find a new job opportunity.

  This idiom means to accomplish two things simultaneously or with minimal effort. By combining her personal and professional goals, Emma was able to maximize her time and resources.3. Pulling out all the stops

• The company's CEO announced that they were pulling out all the stops to secure a major client. They were going above and beyond their usual efforts to impress the client and secure the deal.

  This idiom means to use all available resources and efforts to achieve a desired outcome. By pulling out all the stops, the company was demonstrating their commitment and dedication to the client.4. Piece of cake

• After months of hard work, the project finally came together smoothly. John's team declared that it was a piece of cake compared to their previous projects.

  This idiom means that something is easy or straightforward. By comparing the project to a piece of cake, John's team was indicating that it was a relatively simple and manageable task.5. The writing's on the wall

• The company's financial reports showed a steady decline in profits for the past year. The CEO's team could see the writing on the wall and knew that layoffs were imminent.

  This idiom means that a situation is clear and obvious, and the outcome is inevitable. By seeing the writing on the wall, the CEO's team could anticipate the layoffs and prepare accordingly.

Conclusion

The idiom "don't put all your eggs in one basket" essentially means to not rely on a single option or take unnecessary risks. It is often used as a cautionary phrase to encourage people to diversify their efforts and resources, reducing the chances of failure or loss.

Origin of "Don't put all your eggs in one basket"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 17th century, where it was first used in a book titled "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes. In the book, a character advises another to not put all his money in one bag, comparing it to not putting all his eggs in one basket. This phrase was later adapted and became a popular idiom in the English language.

The literal meaning of this idiom is quite clear - if all your eggs are in one basket and that basket breaks, all your eggs will be lost. This translates to not putting all your resources or efforts in one option, as it could result in a significant loss if that option fails. It is often used in business or financial contexts, but it can also be applied to personal decisions and relationships. Overall, the idiom serves as a reminder to be cautious and not take unnecessary risks in life.