Rome wasn't built in a day

even if it is not true, it is well-conceived; even if it's not true, it's a good story

six of one, half a dozen of the other

sometimes there's a blessing in disguise or silver lining

all that glitters is not gold

as if there were no tomorrow

things do not always end up as planned; failure or disappointment is inevitable from time to time; you can't win them all

when the cat's away the mice will play

don't look a gift horse in the mouth

to be utter nonsense