The phrase "prevailing myth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely accepted belief or idea that is often taken for granted, regardless of its truth.
Example: "The prevailing myth that success comes only from hard work ignores the role of privilege and opportunity."
Alternatives: "common misconception" or "widespread belief".
IT is a prevailing myth in Washington: big bailouts are over for good.
The YWT's report challenges a prevailing myth that boys are having it bad, while girls have never had it so good.
Moreover, there is an increasing recognition that, contrary to the prevailing myth, most western countries, including Britain and the United States, aggressively used industrial policy in the earlier stages of their developments.
Sexual violence is real, but fear around it is disproportionate and misplaced, due in part to the prevailing myth that rapists are dangerous strangers, prowling parks and back streets, rather than men that walk among us, and who many of us have or will invite into our homes.
Many have suggested that the big ideas for the Four Seasons, from the Picasso painting to the Saarinen furniture in the ladies' room, came from Mr. Baum, but a news release for Mr. Freundlich's book argued that it "clearly discredits the prevailing myth that Joe Baum, a Brody hire, was the prime mover responsible" for Restaurant Associates.
Contrary to the prevailing myth, Yankee Stadium went through more than a "face lift" back then.
Arden adds that such advertising is especially useful where there are prevailing myths or misconceptions about the food, although she would prefer the focus to be kept on a varied and healthy diet, rather than communicating the benefits of one food alone.
Prevailing myths about the Dutch -- e.g., they are homogenous, universally tolerant, pacifist, etc. do not accurately gauge differences within society or reflect Dutch potential to influence international events.
To wit, the prevailing myths: Oregon plays in the Pac-12, which is code for the fact that its team is small and fast and incapable of competing with teams from the S.E.C. when it comes to size and strength.
Peer review can improve the quality of a research paper – it tells you something about the acceptability of new findings among fellow scientists – but the prevailing myths need to be debunked.
Among the prevailing myths are that kidneys and other organs are being stolen from live victims without their knowledge (the National Kidney Foundation says no way!) and that a deadly spider dubbed Arachnius gluteus lives under the seats of public toilets awaiting a sumptuous derriere to bite.
