I’m not old to the point where I need wise sayings yet, and there are plenty of older people left in my family, but I have been practicing my “wise auntie” online. One of my personal favorites passed onto me by my mom was:
You got to bring some ass to get some ass!
Meaning once you start a fight you are in a fight and just as likely to lose as win.

Now I need to come up with something less martial!😄