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.
Using ‘A Bird in Hand’ in Daily Conversation
Now that you know the meaning and origin of the idiom “A bird in hand,” let’s see how you can use it in a real-world conversation.
Conversation 1:
Emily and Jake are chatting over coffee about a decision Jake is facing regarding his car sale.
Emily: “Hey Jake, I heard you’re thinking about selling your car. What’s the plan?”
Jake: “Yeah, I found a buyer who’s offering a good price, but I’m tempted to hold out for a better offer. Maybe I can get a few hundred dollars more if I wait a bit.”
Emily: “True, but remember, a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush. You’ve got a sure deal right now—if you wait, there’s a chance you might not find another buyer or end up with a lower offer.”
Jake: “You’re right. I guess I shouldn’t risk losing this sale for a slight chance of more money. I think I’ll go ahead and accept the offer.”
Conversation 2:
Samantha and Mark are catching up at a local café.
Samantha: “So, Mark, I heard you’re thinking about moving to a new city for a job opportunity?”
Mark: “Yeah, I’ve been considering it, but I’m worried about leaving my current job. They’ve treated me well here, and I’m not sure the new position will be as good.”
Samantha: “I get that. It’s always tempting to chase something better, but remember, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. You have a stable job right now.”
Mark: “That’s true. I really do like my current team and the work-life balance. Maybe I should think twice before making a rash decision.”
Samantha: “Exactly! Sometimes it’s smarter to appreciate what you already have rather than gamble on the 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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