A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush Meaning

Definition: The proverb “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” means that it is preferable to have what you are certain of than to take a chance on losing it in the pursuit of something greater.

It serves as a gentle reminder to be happy with what you have and to avoid taking unwarranted chances. For example, if you get a good job offer, it is preferable to take it than to wait for a better one that may never arrive. Alternatively, if you have a spouse who respects and loves you, it’s preferable to treasure them than to run the chance of losing them by dating someone else.

The adage also emphasizes the importance of being realistic. Sometimes it is better to settle for something that is good enough, rather than holding out for something that is perfect but may not be achievable. The proverb is a reminder to be grateful for what you have and to make wise decisions about your life.

Sentence examples

Here are a few examples of how this proverb might be used in different contexts:

1. Financial Decision: “I was about to invest in a risky stock with the potential for bigger profits when I remembered that a bird in the hand would be worth two in the bush. So I made the decision to hold onto my steady present investments.”
2. Job Opportunity: “I received a well-paying job offer, but I was waiting for another job that I really wanted. But I decided to accept my offer since I understood that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
3. Relationships: “I was thinking about ending my relationship and looking for someone better, but my friend advised me to think twice. After all, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush, and I decided to work on my current relationship instead.”
4. Business Decision: “My partner wanted to expand the business aggressively by taking on a lot of debt, but I reminded them that we have a profitable business already. A bird in hand is worth two in bush, and we shouldn’t risk our stability.”

These examples show how the adage is used to underscore the value of appreciating and respecting what you already have rather than chasing uncertain prospects.

Origin of ‘A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’

The proverb has a long and rich history. It can be found in many different languages and cultures, dating back to ancient times.

The adage first appears in the Ahiqar Proverbs, a collection of ancient Mesopotamian wisdom literature dating back to the 7th century BCE. According to the saying, “a sparrow in thy hand is better than a thousand sparrows flying.”

The proverb can also be found in ancient Greek, Latin, and Chinese literature. Aesop, the Greek dramatist, included a version of the aphorism in his famous collection of fables.

The proverb became popular in English in the 16th century, and has been used by many famous writers and speakers over the years. For example, William Shakespeare used the proverb in his play “Hamlet,” and Benjamin Franklin used it in his book “Poor Richard’s Almanack.”

The origin of the proverb is likely related to the fact that hunting and gathering were the primary means of subsistence for early humans. A bird in the hand was a sure thing, while a bird in the bush was uncertain. The proverb is a reminder that it is important to be content with what you have, and not to take unnecessary risks.

Today, the proverb is still widely used in English. It is a reminder to be grateful for what we have and to make wise decisions about our lives.

An Illustration Story

Once upon a time, there was a hunter who was walking through the forest when he saw two birds in a bush. He raised his gun and fired, but he missed both birds. As he was reloading his gun, he saw a bird sitting on a branch right above him. He quickly took aim and fired, and this time he hit the bird.

The hunter picked up the bird and held it in his hand. He thought to himself, "I guess it's true what they say. A bird in hand is worth two in the bushes."

But then the hunter had an idea. He thought, "If two birds in the bush are worth one bird in the hand, then three birds in the bush must be worth one and a half birds in the hand."

So the hunter threw the bird back into the bush and fired his gun again. But he missed again. And again. And again.

Finally, he gave up and walked away empty-handed.

This story is a funny reminder that it's important to be content with what you have, and not to be too greedy. Otherwise, you might end up with nothing at all.

Read about another Interesting Proverb ‘A Drowning Man will Clutch at a Straw‘