birdsinthebush
The phrase 'birds-in-the-bush' is divided into four syllables: birds-in-the-bush. Stress falls on 'birds'. Syllable division follows rules maximizing onsets and avoiding stranded consonants. It's a noun phrase representing a proverb.
Definitions
- 1
A proverb meaning that it is better to hold onto something one has, even if it is not much, than to risk losing it by trying to get something better.
“He decided to keep his current job, reasoning that a bird in the bush wasn't worth two in the hand.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the first syllable ('birds'). The remaining syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
birds — Closed syllable, stressed.. in — Closed syllable, unstressed.. the — Open syllable, unstressed.. bush — Closed syllable, unstressed.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Maximize Onset
Consonant clusters are kept together at the beginning of a syllable.
Avoid Stranded Consonants
Consonants are not left at the end of a syllable without a vowel.
Vowel-Based Division
Syllables are often divided around vowel sounds.
- The compound nature of the phrase. Regional variations in vowel quality and the presence/absence of the linking 'r'.
Nearby Words
17 wordsTrending in English (GB)
Terms getting hyphenated by users right now.