A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Meaning
It is better to hold onto something you already possess than to risk it for the chance of gaining something potentially greater but uncertain.
Origin
This ancient proverb roots itself deeply in the practical wisdom of medieval falconry and hunting. Imagine a hunter with a single bird, caught and secure in their grasp—a guaranteed meal or prize. In the nearby thicket, the hunter spies two more birds, tantalizingly out of reach. To pursue the two in the bush, the hunter must release the one already held, risking everything on the uncertain chance of a greater reward. The phrase vividly encapsulates the stark choice: accept the tangible, certain value you possess, or gamble it all for a potentially larger, yet speculative, gain. This common dilemma, faced by many, solidified the phrase as a timeless caution against greed and uncertainty, appearing in various forms since at least the 15th century.
Examples
- I know that new job offer sounds exciting, but it's a start-up with no guarantees; remember, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so consider your current stable position.
- She decided to accept the immediate, slightly lower offer for the house instead of waiting for a potentially higher one that might never materialize, understanding that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.