Definition & Meaning of "Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"

bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

/bˈɜːd ɪnðə hˈand ɪz wˈɜːθ tˈuː ɪnðə bˈʊʃ/

/bˈɜːd ɪnðə hˈænd ɪz wˈɜːθ tˈuː ɪnðə bˈʊʃ/

bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

SENTENCE

used to imply that it is better to hold onto something you already have for sure, rather than risking it for the possibility of getting more in the future

bird in the hand is worth two in the bush definition and meaning

a bird in the hand

/ɐ bˈɜːd ɪnðə hˈand/

/ɐ bˈɜːd ɪnðə hˈænd/

a bird in the hand

PHRASE

something tangible and certain that one possesses, emphasizing the importance of appreciating and valuing it rather than seeking something else

a bird in the hand definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "a bird in the hand" and when to use it?

The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of bird hunting, where a hunter might be tempted to release a bird they have caught in the hope of catching two more. However, by releasing the bird, the hunter risks losing the one they have already caught, while the two in the bush may be hard to catch. It is commonly used to advise caution and to suggest that it is better to be content with what one has than to risk losing it by pursuing something that is uncertain or has a higher potential reward.