En 15 secondes
- Value what you have.
- Don't risk certainty for possibility.
- Be practical, not overly ambitious.
- Appreciate your current situation.
Signification
Il vaut mieux garder quelque chose de certain que de risquer de l'obtenir pour plus. Valorisez ce que vous avez.
Exemples clés
3 sur 12Texting a friend about a job offer
I know you're hoping for that promotion, but this new offer is solid. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, you know?
I know you're hoping for that promotion, but this new offer is solid. It's better to have a sure thing than risk it for something uncertain.
Discussing a risky investment
Selling those stocks now guarantees a profit. Chasing the market might double your money, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Selling those stocks now guarantees a profit. Chasing the market might double your money, but it's better to secure the current gain.
Choosing a meal at a restaurant
I always get the pasta here; it's amazing. I could try that new seafood dish, but honestly, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
I always get the pasta here; it's amazing. I could try that new seafood dish, but I'd rather stick with what I know is good.
Contexte culturel
In the UK, this proverb is often associated with 'wartime' mentality—the idea of making do with what you have and not being greedy. It's seen as a very 'sensible' British trait. While Americans love risk, this proverb is the 'sober' counter-argument used in boardrooms to prevent reckless spending. It's the 'CFO's favorite proverb.' The concept is found in Aesop's fables, which are the foundation of much Western moral education. It shows that this 'pragmatic' value is over 2,500 years old. In the world of 'FOMO' (Fear Of Missing Out), this proverb is making a comeback as a piece of 'mindfulness' advice—be happy with what you have instead of scrolling for something better.
Shorten it for fluency
Native speakers often just say 'A bird in the hand...' and stop. It makes you sound very natural.
Don't use it for everything
If you use this proverb too much, you might sound like you are afraid of any change or progress.
En 15 secondes
- Value what you have.
- Don't risk certainty for possibility.
- Be practical, not overly ambitious.
- Appreciate your current situation.
What It Means
This old saying is a friendly nudge to be practical. It means that having something certain, even if it's small, is much better than the possibility of getting something bigger or better. Think of it as a warning against taking unnecessary risks. You might be tempted by a bigger prize, but if you can't be sure you'll get it, you could end up with nothing at all. It's about valuing security over speculation.
Cultural Background
This proverb taps into a deep human instinct: risk aversion. Throughout history, people have learned that uncertainty can be dangerous. Whether it's about food, shelter, or resources, having something tangible was always safer than chasing a dream. It reflects a practical, sometimes cautious, worldview that prioritizes stability. It's the voice of experience saying, 'Better safe than sorry!'
Origin Story
The exact origin is a bit fuzzy, like trying to spot a bird in dense fog! But the idea is ancient. Similar sentiments appear in Latin texts, suggesting the concept is old. The earliest clear English version dates back to the 15th century. It likely evolved from observations of hunting and farming. A bird caught was a meal; a bird in the bush was just potential. Simple, right? It’s a lesson learned from survival.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you have a decent job offer, but you're waiting to hear back about your dream job. Your friend might say, 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.' They mean you should consider taking the sure thing. Or, if you're selling something online and get a fair offer, but you hold out for a higher price and then get no offers, you might regret not taking the first one. That's the proverb in action!
When To Use It
Use this when someone is considering giving up something good they already have. They might be tempted by a riskier, potentially more rewarding option. It's perfect for situations where security and certainty are important. Think about job offers, financial decisions, or even relationship choices. If stability is the goal, this proverb fits. It's a gentle way to advise caution.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if someone is taking a calculated, well-researched risk. If the potential reward is huge and the risk is manageable, this proverb might sound overly negative. It's also not great for encouraging ambition or innovation. If someone is dreaming big, telling them 'a bird in the hand...' might just crush their spirit. Let people chase their dreams sometimes! And definitely don't use it if you're trying to motivate someone to be adventurous. That's a recipe for a boring life.
Modern Usage
Today, you'll hear this proverb in casual chats, family discussions, and sometimes even in business contexts. It pops up when people discuss career changes, investments, or even dating app choices. Think of a TikToker debating quitting their stable job for content creation – friends might warn them with this phrase. It’s also used humorously when someone chooses a simple, reliable option over something trendy or flashy. It still holds its core meaning, just with modern examples.
Similar Expressions
There are many ways to say something similar! 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch' is about not assuming success too early. 'Better safe than sorry' emphasizes avoiding risks. 'A penny saved is a penny earned' focuses on the value of what you keep. These all touch on practicality and caution. They are like cousins to our bird proverb, sharing the same DNA of sensible advice.
Memory Trick
Picture this: You're holding a small, tasty bird in your hand. It's yours! Now, look over there. You see two birds in a bush. They look nice, but they're far away. Can you catch them? Maybe, maybe not. It's much easier and safer to just eat the bird you already have. That's the core idea – enjoy what's guaranteed!
Quick FAQ
Q. Does it literally mean I should catch birds?
A. Nope! It's a metaphor. The 'bird' represents any resource, opportunity, or possession. Q: Is it always good advice?
Notes d'usage
This proverb is widely understood and suitable for most informal and neutral conversations. While generally safe for professional contexts, ensure the situation clearly calls for caution regarding risk versus certainty. Avoid using it to discourage ambition or necessary, well-calculated risks.
Shorten it for fluency
Native speakers often just say 'A bird in the hand...' and stop. It makes you sound very natural.
Don't use it for everything
If you use this proverb too much, you might sound like you are afraid of any change or progress.
Use it in negotiations
It's a polite way to tell someone you aren't interested in their 'potential' future offers and want a guarantee now.
Exemples
12I know you're hoping for that promotion, but this new offer is solid. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, you know?
I know you're hoping for that promotion, but this new offer is solid. It's better to have a sure thing than risk it for something uncertain.
Here, the proverb advises accepting a definite job offer rather than holding out for a potentially better but uncertain promotion.
Selling those stocks now guarantees a profit. Chasing the market might double your money, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Selling those stocks now guarantees a profit. Chasing the market might double your money, but it's better to secure the current gain.
This applies the proverb to financial decisions, emphasizing securing existing profits over speculative future gains.
I always get the pasta here; it's amazing. I could try that new seafood dish, but honestly, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
I always get the pasta here; it's amazing. I could try that new seafood dish, but I'd rather stick with what I know is good.
A casual use, showing a preference for a known good option over an unknown one.
Decided to stick with my trusty old phone instead of upgrading. Sometimes, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush! 🤷♀️ #practical #simplelife
Decided to stick with my trusty old phone instead of upgrading. Sometimes, it's better to keep what you have than risk it for something new.
Used on social media to justify a conservative choice, framed with relevant hashtags.
Lol, everyone jumping on this trend. Remember, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Don't lose your savings!
Lol, everyone jumping on this trend. Remember, it's better to have something certain than risk it for something uncertain. Don't lose your savings!
A cautionary comment on social media, warning others about potentially risky trends.
While I'm ambitious and seeking growth, I also value stability. I believe a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, especially early in a career.
While I'm ambitious and seeking growth, I also value stability. I believe it's better to secure a good position than to risk it for an uncertain opportunity.
Used in a professional context to convey a balanced approach to risk and career progression.
The potential upside is significant, but the implementation risks are substantial. Given our current market position, perhaps a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
The potential upside is significant, but the implementation risks are substantial. Given our current market position, perhaps it's wiser to focus on our current strengths.
A more formal application in a business setting, weighing potential gains against definite risks.
✗ My friend told me 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!' when I was thinking about starting my own business.
My friend told me 'It's better to keep what you have!' when I was thinking about starting my own business.
This proverb discourages risk, so it's the wrong thing to say when encouraging someone to take a leap of faith.
I could learn advanced quantum physics, or I could just watch cat videos. You know what they say... a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush! 🐈
I could learn advanced quantum physics, or I could just watch cat videos. You know what they say... it's better to stick with the easy, enjoyable option!
Used humorously to justify choosing a simple, enjoyable activity over a more complex or demanding one.
Leaving this town means leaving my family and friends. It's scary, and even though things aren't perfect, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Leaving this town means leaving my family and friends. It's scary, and even though things aren't perfect, I value the security and comfort I have here.
Expresses an emotional attachment to the familiar and secure, prioritizing comfort over the unknown.
✗ I thought 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' meant I should always go for the bigger opportunity.
I thought 'it's better to go for the bigger opportunity' when I heard the proverb.
This is the opposite of the proverb's meaning. It advises caution, not necessarily chasing the bigger prize.
My current phone works fine, even if it's not the latest model. I guess a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush – no need to spend money unless I have to.
My current phone works fine, even if it's not the latest model. I guess it's better to keep what works reliably than to buy a new one that might have issues.
Justifies keeping an older, functional item over buying a new, potentially better but unnecessary, one.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
A bird in the ______ is worth ______ in the bush.
The standard form is 'hand' and 'two'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush'?
Scenario: Mark has a guaranteed $50. He could gamble it to win $200, but he might lose everything.
The proverb advises keeping the certain $50 rather than risking it for a possible $200.
Choose the best response to complete the conversation.
Sarah: 'I'm thinking of quitting my stable job to become a full-time influencer, even though I only have 100 followers.' Tom: 'Be careful, Sarah. _________'
Tom is warning Sarah not to leave her certain job for an uncertain dream.
Identify the grammatically correct use of the phrase as an adjective.
Which sentence is correct?
When used as a compound adjective before a noun, the phrase should be hyphenated.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Certainty vs. Risk
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA bird in the ______ is worth ______ in the bush.
The standard form is 'hand' and 'two'.
Scenario: Mark has a guaranteed $50. He could gamble it to win $200, but he might lose everything.
The proverb advises keeping the certain $50 rather than risking it for a possible $200.
Sarah: 'I'm thinking of quitting my stable job to become a full-time influencer, even though I only have 100 followers.' Tom: 'Be careful, Sarah. _________'
Tom is warning Sarah not to leave her certain job for an uncertain dream.
Which sentence is correct?
When used as a compound adjective before a noun, the phrase should be hyphenated.
🎉 Score : /4
Tutoriels video
Trouve des tutoriels vidéo sur YouTube pour cette expression.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsThe standard modern version is 'two'. Historically, other numbers were used, but 'two' is the only one used today.
Yes, but use it sparingly. It's better to use it to illustrate a point about risk management rather than as a primary argument.
Yes, the idiom is fixed. You cannot say 'A fish in the hand is worth two in the pond.'
Very common. You will hear it in movies, news, and daily conversation regularly.
'Nothing ventured, nothing gained' or 'Fortune favors the bold' are common opposites.
In the past, hunters would beat bushes to make birds fly out. A bird in the bush was one that hadn't been caught yet.
It is always 'worth'. 'Worthy' is an adjective meaning deserving of respect, which doesn't fit here.
It's usually 'the hand', but 'my hand' is understood. However, 'the hand' is the standard idiomatic form.
It is used equally in both British and American English.
Tell them: 'It's better to keep the one toy you have than to throw it away hoping to find two more.'
Expressions liées
Better safe than sorry
similarIt is better to be cautious than to take a risk and regret it.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch
similarDon't assume you have something until it is certain.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
contrastYou must take risks to achieve anything.
The grass is always greener on the other side
similarOther situations always look better than your own.
