A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush

Having something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything.



This proverb refers back to medieval falconry where a bird in the hand (the falcon) was a valuable asset and certainly worth more than two in the bush (the prey).



Ex: A man has one pound and wishes to wager it to potentially win more but his chances aren’t good. His friend says: “A bird the hand is worth two in the bush”



Spanish: más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.



German: Der  Spatz in der Hand ist besser als die Taube auf dem Dach.