a sparrow in the hand is better than the pigeon on the roof

a sparrow in the hand is better than the pigeon on the roof

proverb It is better to have something less valuable in one's current possession than to pursue something more valuable that may not be able to be obtained. The phrase comes from German. I think I'll keep my modest winnings rather than wagering them all on the next horse race. A sparrow in the hand is better than the pigeon on the roof. A: "I enjoy dating Nicole, but I'd really like to ask Debbie to dinner." B: "If you do that, Nicole will break up with you. Don't forget that a sparrow in the hand is better than the pigeon on the roof." Why would you give up your life savings for something that might not even materialize? You know, "a sparrow in the hand is better than the pigeon on the roof."

See also: better, hand, on, pigeon, roof, sparrow

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.