The meaning and origin of the expression: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Meaning

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.

Origin – the short version

‘A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’ is one of the oldest and best-known proverbs in English. It came into the language in the 15th century, probably imported from other cultures.

The proverb warns against taking unnecessary risks. It is better to keep what you have (a bird) than to risk getting more and ending with nothing (two birds which are out of your reach).

Origin – the full story

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

The meaning and origin

This proverb, like many others, warns against taking risks. It suggests that you should keep what you have and not risk losing it by going after more.

The allusion may be to falconry where a bird in the hand (the falcon) was a valuable asset and certainly worth more than two in the bush (the prey).

This proverbial saying is first found in English in John Capgrave’s The Life of St Katharine of Alexandria, 1450:

    « It is more sekyr [certain] a byrd in your fest, Than to haue three in the sky a‐boue. »