Is your friend thinking about investing his meager savings into NFTs, hoping to make a profit? You could warn him that “a feather in the hand is better than a bird in the air.”
Learn more about this idiom and its meaning in this post.
Meaning
The English idiom “a feather in the hand is better than a bird in the air” is a variation of the more famous saying, “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
It means the assets you already have are better than the potential assets you may gain through risk-taking.
You can use the saying “a feather in the hand is better than a bird in the air” to tell someone to be content with what they have or to warn them against taking undue risks in the hope of gaining more.
Example Usage
Do you want to use the saying “a feather in the hand is better than a bird in the air” to warn or inspire someone? Take a look at these examples first:
- “Why do you have to end your 20-year career to pursue a new challenge? Don’t you know that a feather in the hand is better than a bird in the air?”
- “Knowing that a feather in the hand is better than a bird in the air, Timmy ignored the invitation to join a new startup and committed himself to his boring but secure job.”
- “No matter what they say, a feather in the hand is never better than a bird in the air if you’ve no use for feathers but really need a bird. I have to follow my dreams, so I’m leaving my hometown to become an actor.”
Origin
The saying “a feather in the hand is better than a bird in the air” is a variation of the famous idiom “a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.”
This idiom entered the English language in the 15th century when hunting birds such as pheasants for food was common.
The saying warns against unnecessary risks and tells people to be happy with what they already have; the outcome you hope for may not come to pass, but you can count on the assets already in your hands.
John Capgrave’s 1540 work The Life of St Katherine of Alexandria includes the following early reference to the phrase: “It is more sekyr a byrd in your fest, Than to haue three in the sky a‐boue.”
A bird on your table is more secure than three in the sky, in other words.
Another early reference, John Heywood’s 1546 book about proverbs, speaks of a bird in the hand being better than 10 in the woods.
Of all these variations, “a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush” has survived the longest. However, you may sometimes hear “a feather in the hand is better than a bird in the air.”
Phrases Similar to a Feather in the Hand is Better Than a Bird in the Air
Similar phrases include:
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
- Count your blessings.
- Play it safe.
Phrases Opposite to a Feather in the Hand is Better Than a Bird in the Air
The idiom “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” invites people to pursue multiple paths to success simultaneously. This increases the odds that one will succeed.
Phrases that encourage people to take risks include:
- Take a gamble.
- Risk life and limb.
- Take a calculated risk.
What Is the Correct Saying?
“A feather in the hand is better than a bird in the air” is a variation of the better-known saying “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” This phrase encourages people to be content with what they have and cautions against risk-taking.
Ways People May Say a Feather in the Hand is Better Than a Bird in the Air Incorrectly
People will understand what you mean if you say that “a feather in the hand is better than a bird in the air,” but “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” is more widespread.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase a Feather in the Hand is Better Than a Bird in the Air
You can use this phrase to warn someone that risks don’t always pay off and to remind them that playing it safe is often better.