Thoughts for Thursday

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Meaning

It's better to have a lesser but certain advantage than the possibility of a greater one that may come to nothing.

Origin

This proverb refers back to medieval falconry where a bird in the hand (the falcon) was a valuable asset and certainly worth more than two in the bush (the prey).

A golden key can open any door

Meaning

Money opens any door.

Origin

This notion must be as old as money itself. The first person who is known to have written it down is the English playwright John Lyly, in Euphues and his England, 1580:

Who is so ignorant that knoweth not, gold be a key for euery locke, chieflye with his Ladye.