Akademik

Живая собака лучше мертвого льва
It is more desirable to be alive, even if one is an insignificant man, than to be once powerful but dead
Cf: Better a live coward than a dead hero (Br.). It is better to be a live rabbit than a dead tiger (Am.). A live coward is better than a dead hero (Am.). A live (living) dog is better than a dead lion (Am., Br,). A live soldier is better than a dead hero (Am.). A live trout is better than a dead whale (Am.). A living ass (donkey) is better than a dead lion (Br.)

Русско-английский словарь пословиц и поговорок. . 2013.