# a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/a-bird-in-the-hand-is-worth-two-in-the-bush
Updated: 2026-06-07

## 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.