Meaning & Explanation
The idiom “A bird in hand is better than two in the bush” means that it is better to hold on to something that is certain and guaranteed rather than risk losing it by trying to get something that is uncertain or not guaranteed.
Hindi Equivalent:
“नौ नकद, न तेरह उधार” (Nau nakad, na terah udhaar)
Literal Meaning: “Better nine in cash than thirteen on credit.”
Detailed Explanation
Imagine you have one bird in your hand—this bird is something you already own, and you are sure about it. On the other hand, there are two birds in the bush—these birds represent something you hope to get, but you aren’t sure if you’ll ever catch them. The idiom suggests that it is wiser to hold on to what you already have instead of risking it for something uncertain that might never materialize. Similarly, in life, it’s often better to value what you have rather than risking it for something that may not happen.
Examples in Real Life
1. Workplace Example
English: “Rina was offered a job with a high salary, but she turned it down because she thought she might get a better opportunity later. However, that opportunity never came.”
Hindi: “रीना को एक उच्च वेतन वाली नौकरी का प्रस्ताव मिला, लेकिन उसने उसे छोड़ दिया क्योंकि उसे लगा कि उसे बाद में और बेहतर मौका मिलेगा। लेकिन वह मौका कभी नहीं आया।”
2. Financial Decision
English: “Vinay decided to keep his current car rather than buy a new one on loan because he wasn’t sure if he could afford it long-term.”
Hindi: “विनय ने अपनी वर्तमान कार को रखा, बजाय इसके कि वह एक नई कार ऋण पर खरीदे क्योंकि उसे यकीन नहीं था कि वह उसे दीर्घकालिक रूप से वहन कर सकेगा।”
3. Personal Relationships
English: “Simran was dating someone she cared about but was always hoping for a better relationship with someone else. Eventually, she lost what she had.”
Hindi: “सिमरन किसी ऐसे व्यक्ति से डेटिंग कर रही थी जिसे वह पसंद करती थी, लेकिन वह हमेशा किसी और के साथ बेहतर संबंध की उम्मीद करती थी। अंततः, उसने जो कुछ भी था, उसे खो दिया।”
Usage Tips
- Use this idiom when advising someone to value what they already have instead of chasing after something uncertain.
- Great for making decisions about relationships, finances, or career choices where there’s a balance between guaranteed and uncertain outcomes.
- Often used when someone is tempted by unrealistic or overly ambitious goals without considering the risks.
Similar Proverbs & Synonyms
| English Proverb | Hindi Equivalent |
|---|---|
| “Better safe than sorry.” | “सावधानी हटी, दुर्घटना घटी।” |
| “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” | “अंडे से चूजे पहले ही मत गिनो।” |
| “Look before you leap.” | “कदम रखने से पहले सोचें।” |
Key Takeaway
While ambition and hope are important, it’s crucial to understand the value of what you already have. Sometimes, chasing after something uncertain can lead to losing what you had in the first place. It’s better to appreciate and secure what you have, rather than gamble on something you may never get.
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