A Bird in the Hand is Better Than Two in the Bush – हाथ में मौजूद अवसर भविष्य के अवसरों से बेहतर

Meaning & Explanation

The idiom “A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush” means that it is wiser to hold onto something you already have than to risk it for something that looks better but is uncertain.

Hindi Equivalent:
“हाथ में मौजूद अवसर भविष्य के अवसरों से बेहतर”
Literal Meaning: “A present opportunity is better than a future one which may or may not come.”

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Detailed Explanation

This idiom teaches us the value of appreciating what we already possess rather than chasing after uncertain rewards. Just like catching one bird in your hand is more valuable than spotting two birds in a bush that you might never catch, the same goes for life decisions—whether in career, investments, or relationships.

Often, people ignore current opportunities hoping for something better, only to end up losing everything. The idiom encourages practical thinking, patience, and gratitude.

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Examples in Real Life

1. Job Offer Scenario

English: “Anita got a good job offer but delayed it hoping for a better one. Eventually, she lost both opportunities.”
Hindi: “अनिता को एक अच्छी नौकरी का प्रस्ताव मिला, लेकिन वह बेहतर ऑफर की उम्मीद में टालती रही। अंत में दोनों मौके हाथ से निकल गए।”

2. Business Decision

English: “The company had a loyal customer base but shifted focus to risky new ventures and lost both.”
Hindi: “कंपनी के पास वफादार ग्राहक थे, लेकिन वह नए जोखिम भरे व्यापारों में लग गई और दोनों ही खो बैठी।”

3. Relationship Advice

English: “Ravi was in a stable relationship but kept looking for someone better. Eventually, he ended up alone.”
Hindi: “रवि एक अच्छे रिश्ते में था लेकिन और बेहतर की तलाश में रहा। अंत में वह अकेला रह गया।”

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Usage Tips

• Use this idiom when advising someone to value current opportunities.
• Suitable for motivational talks, financial advice, or life decision discussions.
• Helps convey the importance of contentment and practicality over greed or over-ambition.

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Similar Proverbs & Synonyms

English Proverb	Hindi Equivalent
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”	“अंडों से चूजे निकलने से पहले गिनती मत करो।”
“Make the most of what you have.”	“जो है उसी का सदुपयोग करो।”
“A sure thing is better than a maybe.”	“पक्का सौदा, अनिश्चित से बेहतर होता है।”

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Key Takeaway

Always appreciate and wisely use what you already have. Hoping for more isn’t wrong, but don’t let it make you ignore or lose what’s certain. This idiom is a reminder to be practical and grounded in our decisions. Before letting go of the present for an uncertain future, ask:

• “Is this opportunity worth risking everything I have?”
• “Am I giving up something real for something uncertain?”

Smart decisions often come from valuing what’s in your hand, not just what’s in your imagination.