Meaning
It's better to have a small actual advantage than the chance of a greater one.
Origin
Earliest known English usage in 15th century in The Life of St Katherine by J. Capgrave. Used in 13th century Latin (Plus valet in manibus avis unica quam dupla silvis "...in the woods", rather than "...in the bush").
However, a much older Near Eastern origin is suggested by a near equivalent in the 6th century BC Proverbs of Ahiqar: 'a sparrow in thy hand is better than a thousand sparrows flying'.
Arabic translation
عصفور باليد ولا عشرة على الشجرة
In English: A bird in the hand is better than ten on the tree.
Contribution by Baslan Qurashi
Basque translation
Bat izatea hobe, bi itxo egitea baino.
Czech translation / český překlad
- Lepší vrabec v hrsti nežli holub na střeše.
- In English: It's better to have a sparrow in your hand than a pigeon on the roof.
- Contribution by Alena Vega-Wilson
French translation / traduction français
Un tiens vaut mieux que deux tu l’auras.
German translation / Deutsch Übersetzung
Besser der Spatz in der Hand als die Taube auf dem Dach.
In English:
It's better to have a sparrow in your hand than a pigeon on the roof.
Contribution by Ruth Wöhlk and Alena Vega-Wilson
Greek translation / ελληνική μετάφραση
Kάλλιο πέντε και στο χέρι, παρά δέκα και καρτέρι.
Italian translation / traduzione italiana
Meglio un uovo oggi che una gallina domani.
Polish translation / tłumaczenie polskie
Lepszy wróbel w garści, niż gołąb na dachu.
In English:
It's better to have a sparrow in your hand than a pigeon on the roof.
Contribution by Zofia Kopestyńska
Portuguese translation / tradução em português
Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando.
Romanian translation / traducere în română
Nu da vrabia din mână pe cioara de pe gard.
Russian translation / русский перевод
лучше синица в руках, чем журавль в небе.
Serbian translation /cрпски превод
Bolje vrabac u ruci nego golub na grani.
In English: A sparrow in (your) hand is better than a pigeon on a branch.
Contribution by Nebojša Crnovršanin
Slovak translation / slovenčina preklad
Lepší vrabec v hrsti ako holub na streche.
In English: It's better to have a sparrow in your hand than a pigeon on the roof.
Contribution by Alena Vega-Wilson
Spanish translation / traducción española
Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.
Swedish translation / svensk översättning
Bättre en fågel i handen än tio i skogen.
In English: A bird in (your) hand is better than ten (of those) in the woods).
Contribution by Nebojša Crnovršanin