Better to bend then break.
More French Proverbs:
If you don't want to be deceived, then marry on February 30th.French
God helps him who helps himself.
French
He wears the mourning of his washerwoman.
French
The best-laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley.
French
A noble prince or king never has a coin to bless himself.
French
He who does not gain loses.
French