Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- phrase It is preferable to have a small but certain
advantage than a mere potential of a greater one.
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
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'.
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Examples
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