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English proverbs and sayings express familiar advice or observations in a memorable way. They are useful to recognize in conversations, books and films. Using one occasionally can add color to your English, but you do not need to use proverbs to sound fluent.
The 20 expressions below include traditional proverbs, idioms and a motivational saying. Each has a meaning, a situation and an example. Treat them as a speaker’s point of view rather than rules that are always true.
1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Meaning: Something you already have may be worth more than a better possibility that is uncertain. The saying favors security; it does not prove that every risk is a mistake.
Situation: You have a confirmed place on a course, but another course has only put you on its waiting list.
Example: “I’ll keep my confirmed place for now. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”