A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush

The origin of this idiom goes back to medieval falconry; one captured falcon (bird in the hand) was worth more than two that are free (two in the bush).  However, it is applicable in everyday life, today.

The essential meaning is this: it is considered better to have less of one thing that is certain, than the possibility of having  more of something that is uncertain.  This idiom speaks to our individual personality and overall perspective.  It might be argued that if you are a person who holds on to a lesser certainty;  you might not be a risk taker, not be trusting of others or you may have no faith.  Conversely, if you are a person who goes after the bigger uncertainty; you might be a risk taker, trusting of others or you might have faith.

So, are you the kind of person who, "always keep a cookie in the cookie jar" or do you "stand up to the challenge, and lay it all on the line?"I guess the bigger question is, what kind of friend, neighbor, co-worker or partner does that make you? Are you a compulsive worrier who cannot delay gratification or are you able to wait patiently for an unknown outcome?

Who Shall Bell the Cat?

When faced with a difficult situation, here is a good idiom to get you thinking: Who Shall Bell the Cat?

This idiom tasks us to evaluate our next move, how we proceed and what the implications of our decision and involvement will mean.

When I was a child, I read a fable about a family of mice living in a home and had a full run of the premises until the homeowner brought home a cat. They (the mice) held a meeting to discuss how they could be notified when the cat approaches.  One of them contrived a great plan of putting a bell around the neck of a cat; so they would be warned of its approach.  This plan was widely welcomed by everyone, until when it was time to execute it. 

Which mice would be willing to risk their own life to put a bell around the neck of a cat?  A few more "cliches" come to mind.  "Who will get their hands dirty?" and "sacrifice one for the good of many"

This story teaches us to be cautious of our plans and not base our involvement solely on a desirable outcome; but also, to evaluate our participation in the plan.  The outcome could be life-threating.