English · Work & Business
put all your eggs in one basket
/pʊt ɔːl jɔːr eɡz ɪn wʌn ˈbɑːs.kɪt/
[/pʊt ɔːl jɔːr eɡz ɪn wʌn ˈbɑːs.kɪt/]
risk everything on one thing
Intermediatephrase
Definition
To risk everything on a single plan or opportunity instead of spreading the risk.
Example
Don't put all your eggs in one basket; apply to several universities, not just your favourite one.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket; apply to several universities, not just your favourite one.
Etymology
A proverb popularised by Cervantes's 'Don Quixote', warning against concentrating one's risk.
How & Where It’s Used
Common financial and life advice against over-concentrating risk.
Literary Heritage
Appears in Cervantes's 'Don Quixote' (Part II, 1615): 'not to venture all his eggs in one basket.'