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The phrase “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” is a proverb or idiom that means you should not risk everything or depend entirely on a single thing or course of action. It advises against investing all your resources, time, or efforts in a single venture, as it leaves you vulnerable to failure or loss.
By diversifying your investments, spreading your risks, or exploring different options, you increase your chances of success and minimize the potential impact of a single failure. It’s a metaphorical reminder to maintain balance and avoid excessive reliance on a single source.
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Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket Meaning
The idiom, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” implies that if you gather all your eggs in a single basket, there is a potential danger of dropping the basket and losing everything you have worked diligently to obtain. In contrast, the proverb advises considering different options and distributing your eggs across multiple baskets.
This means pursuing various job opportunities or applying to multiple universities, and also saving some money as a precautionary measure, so you don’t find yourself in a desperate situation if one of your endeavors fails.
Also Read: No Man is an Island Meaning, Examples, Synonyms
Usage with Examples
Here are some situations in which you can use don’t put all your eggs in one basket idiom:
- Investments: If someone invests all their money in a single stock, they risk losing everything if the company fails. Diversifying investments is wiser.
- Career Choices: Relying on just one job opportunity might be risky. Applying to multiple jobs increases the chances of success.
- Business Strategies: A company that depends on one product or customer for revenue may suffer if demand drops. Expanding options ensures stability.
- Exam Preparation: Studying only one subject while ignoring others could lead to failure. Balanced preparation is key.
- Relationships: Depending on just one person for emotional support might not be healthy. Having a support network helps.
Here are example sentences for the idiom ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket’:
- Instead, of applying to just one company, it is advisable to apply to multiple companies. One should not put all their eggs in one basket.
- One should always diversify their investments across different instruments, they should not put all their eggs in one basket.
- Sherry made a huge mistake by investing all her money in one company only. She should not put all her eggs in one basket.
Synonyms and Similar Words
Mentioned below are some synonyms and related words to this idiom:
- Put in danger
- Take the risk of
- Dont make everything dependent on one thing
- Dont concentrate all efforts on one area
- Dont depend for your success on a single plan
Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket Meaning Quiz
Here are 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the idiom “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”
Q1. What does the idiom “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” mean?
A) Be careful when carrying eggs
B) Don’t invest all your resources in one thing
C) Always buy extra groceries
D) Keep all your valuables in one place
Answer: B) Don’t invest all your resources in one thing
Q2. Which of the following is a synonym for the idiom, one should not put all the eggs in one basket?
A) “Burn the midnight oil”
B) “Spread your risk”
C) “Break the ice”
D) “Hit the sack”
Answer: B) “Spread your risk”
Q3. In which situation would you use the idiom, don’t put all the eggs in one basket?
A) When someone only applies to one university
B) When someone studies every subject equally
C) When someone buys multiple stocks in different industries
D) When someone is cleaning their room
Answer: A) When someone only applies to one university
Q4. If a businessman follows the advice of not putting all efforts and money at one place, what would he likely do?
A) Invest only in real estate
B) Start multiple businesses in different industries
C) Put all his money in one bank account
D) Buy a single expensive car
Answer: B) Start multiple businesses in different industries
Q5. What could happen if you ignore the message to not place all the eggs in one basket?
A) You might lose everything if your single plan fails
B) You will become more successful instantly
C) You will have too many options and get confused
D) You will always make the right decision
Answer: A) You might lose everything if your single plan fails
Q6. Which of these proverbs conveys a similar message as ‘not putting all eggs in one basket’?
A) “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
B) “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
C) “Variety is the spice of life.”
D) “Divide and conquer.”
Answer: A) “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
Q7. If a student is preparing for an exam and follows the advice of not putting all eggs in one basket, what would they do?
A) Focus on just one subject
B) Study all subjects equally
C) Skip studying altogether
D) Only revise past questions
Answer: B) Study all subjects equally
Q8. What is the opposite of “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”?
A) “Take a leap of faith”
B) “Put all your faith in one plan”
C) “Think outside the box”
D) “Practice makes perfect”
Answer: B) “Put all your faith in one plan”
Q9. Which professional field often follows the advice of not putting all eggs in one basket?
A) Investors diversifying their portfolio
B) Athletes training for only one sport
C) Writers focusing on a single book at a time
D) Doctors treating only one patient at a time
Answer: A) Investors diversifying their portfolio
Q10. A person who believes in the idiom ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket’ would most likely:
A) Rely on one source of income
B) Have multiple backup plans
C) Never take risks
D) Always stick to one job forever
Answer: B) Have multiple backup plans
Also Read: Idioms for IELTS
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FAQs
The phrase is believed to have originated from the literal idea of carrying all eggs in a single basket—if the basket falls, all the eggs break. It was popularized by Miguel de Cervantes in his novel Don Quixote (1615), where he wrote, “It is the part of a wise man to keep himself today for tomorrow, and not venture all his eggs in one basket.”
Some idioms that share a similar meaning include:
“Spread your risk” – Avoid relying on a single opportunity.
“Hedge your bets” – Protect yourself by having multiple options.
“Diversify your portfolio” – Commonly used in finance to suggest investing in various assets.
Yes! While the core idea of an idiom remains, its interpretation can evolve. For example, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” was originally about caution in decision-making but is now widely used in finance, business, and personal planning.
This was all about the idiom don’t put all your eggs in one basket meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more blogs on Learn English topics, follow Leverage Edu.
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