Idiom idiom
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Meaning
What you have is worth more than what you might have later
Examples
“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so keep your job.”
“I could wait for a better offer, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so I will take this one.”
“Although the investor promised higher returns next year, the cautious businessman decided that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush and sold his shares immediately.”
Origin
Medieval proverb, possibly from falconry: the bird in hand (the falcon) was worth more than two in the bush (the prey); English versions attested from the 15th century.
Last updated June 7, 2026