meglio tirare a campare che tirare le cuoia

Etymology
lit. 'better to get along than die'. From a quote by former Italian Prime Minister. .

Proverb

 * 1) it is better to advance one's own interests (even through illicit or questionable means) than to surrender oneself; it is best to look out for oneself before examining moral considerations; one's got to do what one's got to do

Usage notes

 * A play on words that ties two Italian expressions that both use the verb : and.