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proverb
[ prov-erb ]
noun
- a short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought; adage; saw.
- a wise saying or precept; a didactic sentence.
- a person or thing that is commonly regarded as an embodiment or representation of some quality; byword.
- Bible. a profound saying, maxim, or oracular utterance requiring interpretation.
verb (used with object)
- to utter in the form of a proverb.
- to make (something) the subject of a proverb.
- to make a byword of.
proverb
/ ˈprɒvɜːb /
noun
- a short, memorable, and often highly condensed saying embodying, esp with bold imagery, some commonplace fact or experience
- a person or thing exemplary in respect of a characteristic
Antarctica is a proverb for extreme cold
- ecclesiast a wise saying or admonition providing guidance
verb
- to utter or describe (something) in the form of a proverb
- to make (something) a proverb
proverb
- A brief, memorable saying that expresses a truth or belief, such as “ A friend in need is a friend indeed .” ( See examples under “Proverbs.” )
Other Words From
- proverb·like adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of proverb1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
This work takes a page from President Ronald Reagan, who liked to repeat the Russian proverb “trust but verify.”
In the case of Kudo-kai case boss Nomura, the appropriate Japanese proverb appears to be: “The mouth is the gate of misfortune.”
The catch phrase, which Reagan borrowed from a Russian proverb, was “trust but verify.”
The Latin proverb “Times Change and We Change With Them” used to be memorized by generations of students of Latin.
The rich,” according to a Spanish proverb, “laugh carefully.
The variety of taste in snuff is accounted for by the proverb, "So many men to so many noses."
M. Mon here quotes a Latin proverb:—'Qui plus castigat, plus amore ligat.'
Behold every one that useth a common proverb, shall use this against thee, saying: As the mother was, so also is her daughter.
There is an obvious allusion in this line to the common proverb—'As fain as fowl of a fair morrow,' which is quoted in the Kn.
This is only another form of a proverb which also occurs as 'Well fights he who well flies.'
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