English idiom

don't put all your eggs in one basket

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

Don't risk everything on a single plan or possibility.

Why this phrase?

If one basket drops, every egg in it breaks.

Example

“Spread your savings around; don't put all your eggs in one basket.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

can of worms

a complicated problem that causes trouble the moment it is touched

domino effect

a chain reaction in which one event triggers a series of similar events

in broad daylight

openly and where people can clearly see it, especially during the daytime

in the nick of time

at the latest moment when success is still possible

leap of faith

an act of trusting or committing without evidence or guarantees

red flag

a warning sign that something is wrong

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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