conventional wisdom

noun

1. something that is generally believed; prudence.

Word History and Origins

Origin of conventional wisdom¹

Probably earlier than 1965–70

Idioms and Phrases

A widely held belief on which most people act. For example, According to conventional wisdom, an incumbent nearly always wins more votes than a new candidate . This term was invented by John Kenneth Galbraith, who used it in The Affluent Society (1958) to describe economic ideas that are familiar, predictable, and therefore accepted by the general public. Today it is used in any context where public opinion has considerable influence on the course of events.

Example Sentences

"There was nothing about John which fitted conventional wisdom", he said.

From BBC

Bhatia, however, sees a future where people microdose the drug on and off as needed, something she acknowledges is not yet conventional wisdom.

From Los Angeles Times

As it has been throughout the Age of Trump and the country’s years-long democracy crisis, the so-called conventional wisdom will likely be proven incorrect.

From Salon

The conventional wisdom dominating mainstream media pundits and politicians alike is that Israel has the right to exist and the right to defend itself — effectively with impunity.

From Salon

Even so, the conventional wisdom was that Israel would be deterred by Hezbollah’s formidable fighting record in previous wars and its arsenal of missiles, provided by Iran.

From BBC