Not putting all your eggs in one basket
Meaning
To avoid risking everything on a single venture or plan, by distributing your resources or efforts across multiple options.
Origin
Picture a rustic marketplace in bygone centuries, where a farmer carefully transports his precious eggs. A single, flimsy basket, a momentary stumble on uneven cobblestones, and the entire day's potential income—along with the farmer's livelihood—could be instantly shattered. This stark, visual lesson in vulnerability gave birth to the enduring proverb. While variations of the wisdom appeared in ancient texts, the exact phrasing crystallized in English literature by the 18th century. Daniel Defoe, for instance, used it in his Compleat English Tradesman (1726) to caution against imprudent business decisions, transforming a simple agricultural observation into a universal maxim for shrewd risk management across all aspects of life.
Examples
- When investing, it's wise not to put all your eggs in one basket; consider diversifying your portfolio across different assets.
- She decided to apply to several universities and not put all her eggs in one basket, ensuring she had backup options.