AI for Breakfast

Post 110 - It’s the weekend - Proverb of the day

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Figurative Meaning

"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" is a proverb that emphasises the value of possessing something certain and secure, as opposed to taking a risk for more, where the outcome is uncertain..

Typical Usage

This proverb is commonly used to advise against giving up a secure position in pursuit of something more speculative or uncertain. It's often invoked in situations involving financial decisions, career moves, or any scenario where a guaranteed benefit is weighed against a riskier, but potentially more lucrative, opportunity.

Origin

The origin of this proverb can be traced back to medieval falconry, the art of hunting wild animals in their natural state using a trained bird of prey. The phrase itself was first recorded in the 15th century. The "bird in the hand" is the falcon, which hunters had trained and was a valuable asset. The "two in the bush" represented potential prey that the falcon could catch.

Given the value of a trained falcon, losing it while trying to catch prey would have been a significant loss, hence the expression highlighting the merit of holding onto what one already has instead of gambling it for potential gain.

This idiom conveys the wisdom of valuing what we currently possess rather than risking it for something uncertain, a concept that has remained relevant through centuries.