What a splendid head, yet no brain.
While I see many hoof marks going in, I see none coming out. It is easier to get into the enemy's toils than out again.
A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.
A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.
Don't kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
Obscurity brings safety.