a live dog is better than a dead lion

proverb It is better to be a living coward than a dead hero. A: "I can't believe you just stood there watching while the building continued to burn!" B: "Hey, I was calling the fire department! Besides, a live dog is better than a dead lion." A live dog is better than a dead lion, so get away from that broken gas pipe! Let the professionals handle it! Why would I question the boss in front of the entire board of trustees? A live dog is better than a dead lion, is it not?