the cat would eat fish but would not wet her feet

Proverb

 * 1) In order to achieve something, it is inevitable and necessary that some sacrifices be made.

Translations

 * Finnish: ei makaavan kissan suuhun hiiri juokse
 * Greek: αν δεν βρέξεις κώλο, ψάρι δεν τρως
 * Russian: хо́чется ры́бку съесть, да не хо́чется в во́ду лезть
 * Spanish: quien quiera peces, que moje el culo