Rather lose the wool than the sheep.
More Portuguese Proverbs:
Shut your door, and you will make your neighbour good.Portuguese
Let every man look to the bread upon which he must depend.
Portuguese
Deeds are love, and not sweet words.
Portuguese
If you would make an enemy, lend a man money, and ask for it back again.
Portuguese
Honour a good man that he may honour you, and a bad man that he may not dishonour you.
Portuguese
Spilt salt is never well collected.
Portuguese