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AI for Breakfast

Chris Witham • May 11, 2024

Post 115 - It’s the weekend - Idiom of the day

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket


Figurative meaning

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" means that you shouldn't concentrate all your resources, efforts, or risk into a single opportunity or plan. Diversifying your investments or choices is safer because if one fails, you have others to rely on.


Typical usage

  • Advice on Investments: "It's smart to diversify your portfolio; don't put all your eggs in one basket."
  • Career Decisions: "While focusing on this job, you should consider other options too. Don't put all your eggs in one basket."
  • Business Strategy: "Relying solely on one client for business could be risky. Don't put all your eggs in one basket."



Origin

The phrase dates back to at least the early 17th century and is likely older. It was popularized in its current form by Miguel de Cervantes, the Spanish author of Don Quixote (1605). In the book, a character says, "It is the part of a wise man to keep himself today for tomorrow, and not venture all his eggs in one basket."

The literal imagery of the proverb is straightforward: if you put all your eggs in one basket and that basket is dropped or damaged, all the eggs will break. The expression likely became widely used due to its practical and easily relatable message.

Two baskets of eggs are on a table in a kitchen
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