B1nounlanguagephilosophy
US/ˈprɑː.vɜːrb/
UK/ˈprɒv.ɜːb/
a short well-known saying that gives advice or states something people think is true
In context
There is an old proverb that says honesty is the best policy.
My grandfather loved to quote a proverb for every situation.
The proverb "Many hands make light work" is about teamwork.
Words that go with proverb
adjective + noun
- old proverbAs the old proverb goes, time is money.
- Chinese proverbThere is a Chinese proverb about planting trees.
- popular proverbIt is a popular proverb in many countries.
verb + noun
- quote a proverbHe likes to quote a proverb when giving advice.
adverb + verb
- as the proverb saysAs the proverb says, practice makes perfect.
noun + preposition
- proverb aboutShe told us a proverb about patience.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
There is a proverb said that time is money.Correct: There is a proverb that says time is money.