Australian Slang?

Merry Christmas. I was talking to someone from the middle east and made the comment - why buy a book when you can join a library. They didn't understand what I was saying. Do other people from around the world use this term as well?

Does that mean the same thing as "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?"

If so, I've never heard the library version but will probably start using it because at least in my circle, the cow one has a slightly sexual, almost misogynistic tone.

#1 -- But is that expression ever used except with a sexual and misogynistic sense?

mordant, #1, No, I think it refers to staying single and playing the field, rather than the sexual and misogynistic sense of having a concubine vs getting married.

#1 - definitely staying single. Also like more fish in the sea

I've never heard your expression either (US). But depending on where in the middle east your friends are from, and depending on how acculturated they are to the West, the problem may be more cultural. Is there such a thing as dating where they come from?

I'm from Aus and have never heard that saying either! I've only ever heard the cow one before.

So, what was your exact meaning when you used the phrase, OP? I have never heard it myself (American English).

It means why bother spending all the money to get married when there are heaps more out there that won't cost you a fortune.

Never heard of the library one, but definitely the cow one. And I've only ever heard it in relation to the sexual, misogynistic sense, ie, why bother marrying your girlfriend.