A living dog is better than a dead lion.

Meaning: Present survival and humble circumstances outweigh past glory or noble defeat.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Wisdom

You needn't lock the stable door when the steed is stolen. — Prevention before loss occurs matters far more than remedies applied after damage is done.
They look one way and row another. — Deceptive intentions hidden beneath outward appearances guide people toward false destina…
Long looked for comes at last. — Patience with delayed expectations eventually yields results; persistence through waiting…
He that longs most lacks most. — Constant desire reveals scarcity within oneself; craving signals deprivation rather than…
Tis not lost that comes at last. — Delayed arrival doesn't constitute loss; what eventually reaches you remains gained despi…
Lowly sit and be richly warm. — Humble comfort surpasses prideful exposure to hardship and cold.

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