Variety is the spice of life.

Meaning: This sentence conveys the idea that having a diverse range of experiences or things in one's life makes it more interesting and enjoyable.

Choice of Words: "Variety" means a wide range or selection of different things. "Is" is the same verb used earlier to describe the state of something. "Spice" is a substance used to flavor food. "Life" is the existence of an individual human being or animal.

Alternative Expressions

Life is like a box of chocolates.

Meaning: This means that life is unpredictable and you never know what will happen next, just like you don't know what flavor of chocolate you will get when you pick one from a box. It's like saying, Life has many unexpected events, just like a box of chocolates has different types of chocolates.

Choice of Words: Life is the period of time that you are alive. Box is a container that holds things. Chocolates are sweet treats made from cocoa beans. When you put them together, "Life is like a box of chocolates" means that life is full of surprises, just like a box of chocolates has different flavors of chocolates inside.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Meaning: This means that it is better to have something that you have now than to take a chance on getting something better in the future. It's like saying, It's better to have a small amount of something for sure than to risk losing it for a larger amount that you might not get.

Choice of Words: Bird is a type of animal that has wings and can fly. Hand is the part of the body at the end of the arm that you use to hold things. Bush is a thick group of shrubs or trees. When you put them together, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" means that it is better to have something certain than to risk losing it for something that is uncertain.

Related Expressions