When is a bird in the hand worth two in the bush?

Answer 1

The answer depends on a willingness to take a risk. Whether you settle for something certain, or gamble on getting more, will often depend on what you have, what you need, and what you want.

The answer would be

YES. A bird in the hand is definitely worth two in the bush, if you need a bird.

NO. If getting two means you don't have to get one tomorrow. In this simple example: if you found you could get two, and in more than half of your tries, then in the long run, getting two sometimes, and none other times, would be better than always getting just one.

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Yes, be happy with what you have. Sometimes going after what seems to be a better deal will leave you with nothing but a hand full of bird poop.

Answer 2

A medieval saying connected with falconry. The falcon. being in the keepers hand, is better than two anywhere else. It is better to have a strong advantage with you than more somewhere else, that may come to nothing

Answer 3

A sure thing (the bird in hand) can be better than having nothing at all, even though you could get more (the two birds) by taking a chance. The adage suggests that you could get more, or nothing, by taking a risk.

For example:

When you have your winnings, don't play double or nothing.

Answer 4

It means that it is not worth it to run the extra risk. Sometimes you might have something already earned and you just simply want more and you run the risk of loosing everything. Having one bird in your hands means you already have at least one bird. Two birds in the bush means that you don´t have any but you may have the chance to have two of them or you may have the chance to end hands empty.

Say for example you have a chance to invest 1000 USD. You can invest it in Treasury Bonds that have no risk but they will only return 5% in profit. You may as well invest the 1000 USD in shares of a new technology firm in Korea that may offer 30% profit or 30% loss.

If you really need the money perhaps you don´t want to run the risk of loosing it. On the other hand you may want to just go and try catching the two birds in the bush and earn 30% profit!

Answer 5

It means a smaller guaranteed advantage is better than a chance for a larger one.

Answer 6

The saying means that you shouldn't count on something you don't have. What you already have is more valuable to you.

Answer 7

• because it is nice

Answer 8

The phrase is actually "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush". It means you should be happy with what you have instead of risking it by being greedy and looking for more elsewhere.

Answer 9

What you have now is more valuable than what you might be able to get in the future.