Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

This of course means that an actual advantage (in hand) is worth more than the promise of something greater. This proverb in various forms has been around since the 16th century. “Better one bird in hand than ten in the wood” John Heywood wrote in Proverbs (1546). “One bird in the hand is worth two in the wood” Thomas Lodge wrote in Rosalyne (1590). However, the concept itself is probably much older because Plutarch (46 - 120 AD) wrote, “He is a fool who leaves things close to hand to follow what is out of reach.”