A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

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Meaning

Having something certain now beats chasing uncertain gains later.

Origin

From ancient Greece, in Aesop's fable 'The Hawk and the Nightingale' (6th century BCE), where a bird in claw trumps more in sight, English by 1470s in a proverb collection as 'better one bird in hand. ' Hunters knew a caught bird was sure meat, while bush birds might flee-medieval falconry honed it.

Variants

  • Bird in hand
  • Two in the bush

Usage Examples

  • Take the job; a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
  • She kept the cash; a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
  • A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; don't chase that rumor.

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