It is better to give away the wool than the sheep.
More Italian Proverbs:
Corsairs against corsairs, there is nothing to win but empty barrels.Italian
One devil does not make hell.
Italian
Little thieves are hanged by the neck, great ones by the purse.
Italian
God save me from one who does not drink.
Italian
It is not enough to aim; you must hit.
Italian
It is the petty expenses that empty the purse.
Italian