It is better to prevent a disease than to have to cure it. / (idiomatic, by extension) Precaution and prevention of an undesirable thing is preferable to dealing with its potential consequences.

(humorous) Better than nothing; not unsatisfactory but also not a reason for enthusiastic excitement.

Alternative form of better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick

(vulgar) Alternative form of better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick

Alternative form of better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick

(rare) Alternative form of an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure

Alternative form of better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness

In a precarious situation, it is wiser to act decisively and be judged by a jury than to be killed through inaction.

Used to wholeheartedly agree with somebody else's remark

Even in the face of hopelessness and discontent, it is more worthwhile to do some good, however small, in response, than to complain about the situation.