Let’s explore the idiomatic gem ‘a bird in the hand.’ We’ll uncover its meaning, delve into its origin, explore real-life examples, and even discover quotes where this expressive phrase is cleverly used. Ready for a journey into language? Let’s begin!
Meaning of the Idiom
“A bird in the hand” is an idiom that conveys the idea of valuing what one already possesses rather than taking a risk to acquire something potentially more desirable but uncertain. It emphasizes the importance of appreciating and securing existing advantages rather than pursuing speculative opportunities.
Origin of the Idiom
The origin of “a bird in the hand” can be traced back to medieval falconry, where having a captured bird (the prey) in one’s hand was a tangible and guaranteed possession. The idiom became popular in English during the 16th century, symbolizing the practical wisdom of choosing certainty over potential gain.
10 Idiom Examples in Real-Life Conversations
1. Preferring a stable job with a regular income is like choosing “a bird in the hand” over the uncertainty of a freelance career.
2. Instead of investing in volatile stocks, some investors opt for bonds—a reliable option that represents “a bird in the hand.”
3. Choosing a scholarship for a known university rather than waiting for acceptance to several others is a practical decision of securing “a bird in the hand.”
4. Accepting a current job promotion with added responsibilities can be seen as holding onto “a bird in the hand” rather than seeking new opportunities.
5. Homebuyers may opt for a property with a confirmed mortgage approval, considering it as “a bird in the hand” compared to waiting for a potential dream home.
6. Taking a guaranteed discount offered today is like having “a bird in the hand” rather than waiting for a future sale with uncertain discounts.
7. Choosing a reliable car with a proven track record is akin to opting for “a bird in the hand” rather than waiting for the latest model with unknown performance.
8. Investors may prefer dividend-paying stocks as they provide a regular income, representing the concept of “a bird in the hand.”
9. Entrepreneurs may decide to expand their successful business locally, considering it as holding onto “a bird in the hand” rather than venturing into unfamiliar markets.
10. Selecting a known and reliable supplier for a business is like securing “a bird in the hand” rather than exploring new and untested options.
10 Quotes Using the Idiom
1. “In the journey of life, sometimes it’s wise to appreciate ‘a bird in the hand’ rather than chasing the elusive birds in the bush.” – Unknown
2. “Success often comes to those who recognize the value of ‘a bird in the hand’ and make the most of the opportunities within reach.” – Maya Angelou
3. “In a world of uncertainties, finding contentment with ‘a bird in the hand’ brings a sense of stability and gratitude.” – Oprah Winfrey
4. “The practical choice is not always the most glamorous, but holding onto ‘a bird in the hand’ often leads to lasting success.” – Unknown
5. “In the pursuit of dreams, it’s essential to balance ambition with the wisdom of appreciating ‘a bird in the hand.’” – Unknown
6. “Life’s journey is a series of choices. Sometimes, the path of fulfillment lies in cherishing ‘a bird in the hand’ over distant mirages.” – Unknown
7. “The concept of ‘a bird in the hand’ teaches us the value of gratitude for what we have rather than yearning for what we don’t.” – Unknown
8. “Sometimes, success is not about the grand leaps but the steady steps of holding onto ‘a bird in the hand’ and building from there.” – Unknown
9. “Wisdom lies in recognizing the worth of ‘a bird in the hand’ and making choices that lead to sustainable and fulfilling outcomes.” – Unknown
10. “In the pursuit of happiness, ‘a bird in the hand’ often proves to be a reliable companion on the journey of life.” – Unknown
Idioms Starting From Letter A
Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter A. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘A’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the A-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter A.
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