old maxim

USAGE SUMMARY

'old maxim' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to a wise saying or proverb that has been around for a long time. For example, "He remembered an old maxim his grandmother used to say: 'treat others the way you'd like to be treated.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The old maxim of better safe than sorry may apply.

The New Yorker

The old maxim is true: Just get in there.

The Guardian - Sport

It suggests that coaches really do heed the old maxim, "Win at home, draw away".

The New Yorker

The old maxim is that it is better to watch sport live, in the round.

The Guardian - Sport

As the old maxim goes: act in haste, repent at leisure.

The Guardian

Usmanov, though, offered a fresh take on the old maxim about never going back.

The Guardian - Sport

The old maxim about Arab books maintained that "Cairo writes, Beirut publishes and Baghdad reads".

The New York Times - Books

For journalists, readers and viewers alike, the old maxim must hold good: never assume.

The Guardian - Opinion

An old maxim holds that "ramps are not for ladies or those who court them".

The New York Times - Food

The old maxim "leave them wanting more" has never been truer.

The Guardian - Music

The old maxim, "it's not what you know but who you know" needs updating.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, provide context or explanation when referencing an "old maxim", especially if its relevance to the argument is not immediately apparent. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid misattributing an "old maxim" to the wrong person or source. Double-check the origin of the saying to maintain credibility and avoid spreading misinformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old maxim" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or refers to a widely accepted saying or principle. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage in written English as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "old maxim" is a versatile and commonly used way to refer to well-established sayings or principles. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news media, science, and business. While alternatives like "traditional saying" or "well-known proverb" exist, "old maxim" carries a specific connotation of historical weight and widespread acceptance. Ensure that when using the phrase, the referenced maxim is genuinely recognized, and that you avoid misattributing its source to maintain credibility. Understanding these nuances will allow you to effectively incorporate "old maxim" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traditional saying

Focuses on the tradition aspect of the saying, rather than its status as a maxim.

well-known proverb

Replaces "maxim" with "proverb", a more common synonym.

established principle

Emphasizes the principle aspect, highlighting its foundational nature.

time-honored adage

Highlights the age and respect associated with the saying.

common saying

Focuses on the ubiquity of the saying.

time-tested principle

Highlights that the principle has been validated over time.

age-old wisdom

Highlights the wisdom aspect, rather than it being a maxim.

long-held belief

Emphasizes the belief aspect and longevity of its acceptance.

accepted truth

Highlights the truth value and widespread acceptance.

conventional wisdom

Implies a common but potentially unexamined understanding.

FAQs

What does "old maxim" mean?

An "old maxim" refers to a well-known and established saying or proverb that has been around for a long time and is generally accepted as a truth or principle. It often provides guidance or wisdom based on experience.

How can I use "old maxim" in a sentence?

You can use "old maxim" to introduce a traditional saying or principle. For example, "The project manager reminded the team of the "better safe than sorry" old maxim before proceeding with the risky plan."

What's the difference between "old maxim" and "conventional wisdom"?

"Old maxim" usually refers to a specific saying with historical roots, while "conventional wisdom" refers to a generally accepted belief or understanding, which may not have a specific origin or formulation.

Are there alternatives to "old maxim"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "traditional saying", "time-honored adage", or "well-known proverb" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.