A barley corn is better than a diamond to a cock.
More Portuguese Proverbs:
Better an ass that carries me than a horse that throws me.Portuguese
Neither handsome enough to kill nor ugly enough to frighten away.
Portuguese
Good take heed doth surely speed.
Portuguese
Don't let the cat out of the bag.
Portuguese
Every one is wise for his own profit.
Portuguese
He is an old saint, any may leave it in the hands of God.
Portuguese