Il porte le feu et l’eau. He carries fire and water.
Il ressemble à chat brûlé, il vaut mieux qu’il ne se prise. He is like a singed cat, better than he looks.
Il se ruine à promettre, et s’acquitte à ne rien donner. He ruins himself in promises, and clears himself by giving nothing.
Il tombe sur le dos et se casse le nez. He falls on his back and breaks his nose.
Il vaut mieux avoir affaire à Dieu qu’à ses saints. It is better to have to do with God than with his saints.
Il vaut mieux être fou avec tous que sage tout seul. Better be mad with all the world than wise alone.
Il vaut mieux être le premier de sa race que le dernier. It is better to be the first of one’s race than the last (meanest).]
Il vaut mieux être marteau qu’enclume. It is better to be the hammer than the anvil.
Il vaut mieux faire envie que pitié. Better to be envied than pitied.