what does like a bird in the hand mean

a bird in the hand Something of some value that is already acquired. Taken from the proverb

"a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," which means that having something, even if it is a lesser quantity, is better than taking the chance of losing it in order to attain something else that seems more desirable.

Full Answer

What is the proverb of a bird in hand?

bird in the hand, a What one already has is better than what one might possibly get. The complete saying, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” is an ancient Greek proverb, quoted in several of Aesop’s fables. It was repeated by the Romans and appeared in English in the fifteenth century. There are numerous versions in other languages.

What does the saying bird in hand mean?

“A bird in the hand is worth than two in the bush.” This expression means that be happy with what you have instead of going for something more valuable but not promising. In essence, don't be greedy and stick with what good things you already have, instead of going after something you'll probably never get.

What is the bird in the hand theory?

The bird-in-hand theory claims that investors’ behavior is affected by dividend payout rate rather than capital gains. Also, the theory states that the higher is proportion of capital gain in total return, the higher is the required rate of return of investors, and therefore the cost of capital of company.

Who said bird in the hand?

The phrase “…bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush” came from the Bible. King Solomon said it in the book of Ecclesiastes 6:9. King Solomon was a very wise king who loved God. God blessed him with great wisdom.

What do you call sayings like a bird in the hand?

A proverbial phrase or a proverbial expression is a type of conventional saying similar to proverbs and transmitted by oral tradition.

Where does the phrase a bird in the hand come from?

This proverb has its origins in medieval falconry, where a bird (falcon) in hand was more valuable than two in the bush (the prey). The earliest known usage in English is in the 15th century in “The Life of St Katherine” by John Capgrave.

What is the opposite to a bird in the hand?

Worth Two in the BushPhrases Opposite to A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush. I'm going all in. I'm not satisfied with what I have. I want it all.

What is a bird in the hand an example of?

A benefit available now is more valuable than some possibly larger future benefit. For example, Bob thinks he might do better in a bigger firm, but his wife insists he should stay, saying a bird in the hand.

What does the phrase a bird in the hand is worth?

The phrase 'A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush' is used for saying that it's better to hold onto something one has already than to risk losing it by trying to attain something better.

Is a bird in the hand a metaphor?

Example #1: The phrase 'a bird in the hand' can be used as a metaphor. For example, 'He did not sell his land to purchase more in the nearby town seeing that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. ' Here the bird is a metaphor of a piece of land mentioned in the sentence.

What does a bird in the hand two in the bush mean?

idiom saying. said when you recognize that you should not risk losing something you already have by trying to get something you think might be better.

What does two birds in a bush mean?

The proverb 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' means that it's better to hold onto something you have rather than take the risk of getting something better which may come to nothing.

Who coined the phrase a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?

Its current form first appears in John Ray's Hand-book of Proverbs (1670): 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

What are some very old sayings?

Which old sayings are true and which are false?“Men think about sex every seven seconds” ... “Nice guys finish last” ... “The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long” ... “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise” ... “When you smile the whole world smiles with you” ... “Money can't buy happiness”More items...

What does the saying the early bird gets the worm mean?

Being first improves the chances of success. The early bird gets the worm is a proverb which emphasizes the importance of starting something early to maximize the potential outcome.

What is Bush slang for?

noun. A shaggy mass, as of hair. noun. (vulgar slang) A growth of pubic hair. noun.

A Bird in The Hand Is Worth Two in The Bush Meaning

Definition: Having something for certain is better than the possibility of getting something better.A bird in the hand is a sure thing; it’s in you...

Origin of A Bird in The Hand Is Worth Two in The Bush

The phrase, as we see it today, predates its first known publication, which appeared in the 1670 A Hand-book of Proverbs, written by John Ray. 1. A...

Examples of A Bird in The Hand Is Worth Two in The Bush

Nowadays, this expression is most often heard in the job sphere, where people warn against making risky deals, taking new positions, or trying to e...

What does "bird in the hand" mean?

A benefit available now is more valuable than some possibly larger future benefit . For example, Bob thinks he might do better in a bigger firm, but his wife insists he should stay, saying a bird in the hand . This expression, which in full is A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, was an ancient Greek proverb. It was well known in English by about 1400 and has been repeated so frequently that it is often shortened.

What does it mean when a bird is worth two in the bush?

Taken from the proverb "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," which means that having something, even if it is a lesser quantity, is better than taking the chance of losing it in order to attain something else that seems more desirable. Stephen: "I enjoy dating Nicole, but I'd really like to ask Debbie to dinner." Mark: "If you do that, Nicole will break up with you. Don't forget that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

What does it mean when you have a bird in your hand?

A bird in the hand is a sure thing; it’s in your hand. You already have the bird. If you try to catch another, however, you risk losing the bird in your hand and also whatever it was you were trying to catch. Now you have no bird in hand, and there is no guarantee that you will get the two in the bush. In other words, it’s better to be sure about something smaller than to be unsure about something bigger.

Where did the saying "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" come from?

The phrase, as we see it today, predates its first known publication, which appeared in the 1670 A Hand-book of Proverbs, written by John Ray . A [also ‘one’] bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

When did the Boke of Nurture say "A byrd in hand"?

Ecclesiastes IX. Later, in 1530, The Boke of Nurture or Schoole of Good Maners holds the line, A byrd in hand – is worth ten flye at large. It is not clear when exactly the phrase shifted to its current incarnation.