Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Arabic term or phrase:
اعد الخزانه ولا جوزاه الندامه
English translation:
"It’s better to be single than to wish you were" OR "It's better to be single than to be married to the wrong person"
Arabic term
Jordan
Professional Writer and Translator
Native in: English (Variant: US) 
Works in: Arabic to English, English to Arabic, English
اعد الخزانه ولا جوزاه الندامه
The topic is spinsterhood and getting married to someone who is bad match because you are getting old and are afraid you won't ever get married.
Although I understand the meaning of the above expression, I am interested in the following:
1. What does the saying literally say?
2. Is there any good equivalent in English?
Thank you for your help.
Jun 9, 2012 07:15: Anis Farhat Created KOG entry
Proposed translations
Tunisia
Never Lost In Translation
Native in: Arabic , English
Works in: Arabic to English, English to Arabic, French to English, and 4 more.
"It’s better to be single than to wish you were"/It's better to be single than to be married to the
To suit your context, it is better to remain a spinster than to wish you were.
Or: "It's better to be single than to be married to the wrong person".
As the saying goes, it’s better to be single than to wish you were.
http://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon/1990-02-18-Out-of-Control/
http://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon/1997-11-23-What-Does-the-Bible-Say-About-Divorce-and-Remarriage/
Saudi Arabia
Quality adept, Time Bound, Client Mind
Native in: Arabic
Works in: English to Arabic, Arabic to English, French to Arabic, and 21 more.
Remain single rather than full of remorse..
Egypt
31 years of Experience. Available 24/7
Native in: Arabic 
Works in: English to Arabic, Arabic to English
Remaining single is a better choice than marrying the wrong man.
Remaining single is much more better than getting married to the wrong man.
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