bird in the hand

1. A benefit available now is more valuable than some possibly larger future benefit. For example, Bob thinks he might do better in a bigger firm, but his wife insists he should stay, saying a bird in the hand. This expression, which in full is A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, was an ancient Greek proverb. It was well known in English by about 1400 and has been repeated so frequently that it is often shortened.

Example Sentences

This enraged his fundamentalist grandparents, who sent him scrambling for steady work, much like Ice Cube on “A Bird in the Hand.”

From Los Angeles Times

Too many Americans needlessly die from whatever illegal drugs happen to have in them, while a bird in the hand solution stays behind lock and key.

From Salon

“The old adage ‘a bird in the hand’ comes to mind,” she said in her ruling.

From New York Times

One commenter immediately chided the Argonauts fan, saying a championship bird in the hand is better than two potential future ones in the bush.

From Seattle Times

A bird in the hand beats two in the bush, and all that.

From Washington Post