🗒️ Idiom: A Bird in the Hand Is Worth Two in the Bush
💬 Meaning
- It is better to focus on what you already have rather than risk it for something uncertain.
- In business, this reminds professionals to value guaranteed opportunities instead of chasing uncertain ones.
🧠 Example Sentences
- We have a solid client contract now; a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so we should focus on fulfilling it well.
- The team considered switching suppliers, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so they stayed with the reliable partner.
- When negotiating, remember that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Take the offer you have if it meets your goals.
🏛️ Origin
This proverb dates back to the 15th century in England. It comes from the world of hunting, where catching one bird in your hand was more valuable than chasing two birds in the bushes. It became a saying for practical decision-making, showing the value of certainty over risky opportunities.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
We already have a confirmed investor, so ____________________________.
Answer
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
2. Choose the correct option:
What does “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” mean?
a) Keep chasing more opportunities even if you have a secure one
b) Value what you have now instead of risking it for uncertain options
c) Birds are important in business
Answer
b) Value what you have now instead of risking it for uncertain options
3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:
“We shouldn’t cancel the current contract to wait for a bigger offer.”
Answer
We shouldn’t cancel the current contract. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
ℹ️ Other Useful Pages
📚 Learning Resources
👉 Time Management Idioms
👉 Business English Idioms List
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👉 Student Space
👉 Tutor Toolkit
⭐️ Extras
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Rob is a CELTA qualified English teacher with 15 years of international experience. He has a BSc and PGDip from Loughborough and St Andrews universities in the UK. He has taught in Thailand and Saudi Arabia and now works with professionals worldwide.
