A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Meaning

<p>This proverb advises caution, emphasizing that it’s better to hold onto something certain and tangible rather than risk losing it for something uncertain or unattainable. </p><p>It underscores the value of appreciating what one already has over chasing speculative gains. </p><p><br></p><p>Often used in financial, personal, or strategic contexts, it promotes pragmatism and warns against greed or overambition that could lead to loss.</p>

Origin

<p>The phrase has ancient roots, traceable to Aesop’s fables (6th century BCE), specifically ‘The Hawk and the Nightingale,’ which illustrates the value of a sure thing. Its modern form appears in Latin as *Plus valet in manu quam quae volat in aere* (‘What is in the hand is worth more than what flies in the air’). It entered English by the 15th century, with John Heywood’s 1546 *Proverbs* recording a version: ‘Better one byrde in hande than ten in the wood.’ The ‘bush’ variant emerged later, reflecting English rural imagery. Popularized in hunting contexts, where a bird caught was more valuable than those still free, it became a staple in English literature, including works by Cervantes and Swift.</p>

Variants (2)
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush
One bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Usage Examples (4)
I was tempted to invest all my savings in that startup, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so I kept most of it in a secure fund.
She decided to accept the job offer rather than wait for a better one, reasoning that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
He sold his old car for a decent price instead of holding out for more—a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so let’s finalize this deal now rather than risk losing it to competitors.