Meaning of the word "it is better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep" in English

What does "it is better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

it is better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep

US /ɪt ɪz ˈbɛtər tu lɪv wʌn deɪ æz ə ˈtaɪɡər ðæn ə ˈθaʊzənd jɪrz æz ə ʃiːp/
UK /ɪt ɪz ˈbɛtə tu lɪv wʌn deɪ æz ə ˈtaɪɡə ðæn ə ˈθaʊzənd jɪəz æz ə ʃiːp/
"it is better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep" picture

Idiom

it is better to live a short life with courage and dignity than a long life in fear or submission

Example:
He chose to stand up for his rights, believing that it is better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep.
The revolutionary leader often said that it is better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep.