Learn English – Proverb: “have fate without destiny”

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I was looking for an English equivalent of the Chinese proverb (有缘无分) which describes couples who meet but who do not for whatever reason stay together.

My friend (native speaker, no Chinese backgroud) suggested "have fate without destiny". I am half contented with and half confused with this suggestion.

It seems to make perfect sense while I can't figure out the subtle difference of "fate" vs. "destiny" in this context.

And, why not "have destiny without fate" instead of "have fate without destiny"?

Best Answer

I don't know of a proverb but you could call them star-crossed lovers, meaning:

a pair whose relationship is thwarted by outside forces

From Romeo & Juliet

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes,
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life

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