proverbial

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "proverbial" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is widely known from tradition or by reputation. For example, "She had the proverbial patience of a saint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Sun, which broke the Cameron story – the incident at the Plough Inn at Cadsden, where the PM is a regular, happened three weeks ago – priggishly quotes a "pub insider" ( better than the proverbial No 10 insider?) saying the mistake was "frightening", which shows what slow learners they are at the Sun.

The Guardian

Sherborne said: "It is abundantly clear that the documentary evidence before the court is only likely to reveal a tiny proportion of the total wrongdoing committed by MGN as against each of the claimants – merely the very tip of the proverbial iceberg".

The Guardian

No matter how many business plans you do, there is always going to be that proverbial curve ball that will turn your plan on its head.

The Guardian

What made someone like myself career about, drinking like the proverbial fish?

The Guardian - Opinion

He said senior MGN journalists gave "deliberately crafted and disingenuous statements" to the Leveson inquiry into press ethics, and accused MGN of withholding key evidence that meant that only the "very tip of the proverbial iceberg" could be revealed.

The Guardian

Biochar stoves could potentially knock out both threats with one proverbial stone.

The Guardian

A cynic might point to this and suggest that nationalists and republicans have purposefully chosen to strike when the proverbial iron is hot.

The Guardian - Opinion

In doing so they leave the door wide open to the introduction of the snooper's charter, which involves the mass harvesting of personal communications data and the use of automated data-mining techniques through a "request filter" to sift through the haystack to find the proverbial needles.

The Guardian

When a lot of history has been shared, it feels abnormal to institute the proverbial clean break.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Once, such verbal corpses were the proverbial fish-and-chip paper, accessible only by newspaper-cuttings archives or people who spent several hours a day surfing microfiche in their local libraries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But that's bolting the barn door while watching the proverbial horse cantering across the hills to freedom.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proverbial" to add emphasis or a touch of irony when referring to something widely known or expected. This can enrich your writing by acknowledging shared knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "proverbial" when referring to something obscure or specific to a niche. This word implies widespread knowledge, so ensure your audience will recognize the reference.

Linguistic Context

The word "proverbial" functions as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it is widely known or a common example. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct and usable term. Example: "the proverbial needle in a haystack."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "proverbial" is a versatile term used to denote something widely known or considered a typical example. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Its frequency in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts highlights its usefulness in conveying shared knowledge and common stereotypes. When employing "proverbial", it's important to ensure the reference is indeed well-known to the intended audience, avoiding niche or obscure allusions. Alternatives such as "well-known", "famous", and "stereotypical" can be used to adjust the nuance and emphasis as needed. The examples showcase "proverbial" effectively used in phrases like "the proverbial needle in a haystack" and "the proverbial slow boat to China".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely recognized

Directly emphasizes the broad acceptance and awareness of something.

well-known

Focuses on the quality of being widely recognized or familiar.

commonly known

Similar to "well-known" but places greater emphasis on the collective awareness.

famous

Emphasizes widespread recognition and often positive connotation.

stereotypical

Highlights conformity to a general pattern or type, potentially carrying a negative connotation.

conventional

Stresses adherence to established norms or customs.

classic

Indicates enduring recognition and high quality, often associated with tradition.

customary

Refers to practices that are commonly followed or habitual.

established

Points to something that is firmly recognized and accepted.

traditional

Highlights the connection to long-standing customs and beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "proverbial" in a sentence?

The word "proverbial" is used to describe something that is widely known or commonly referred to, often in a stereotypical way. For example, "He always seemed to be waiting for the "proverbial bus" to arrive."

What words can I use instead of "proverbial"?

You can use alternatives such as "well-known", "famous", or "stereotypical" depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "the proverbial saying"?

While not grammatically incorrect, saying "the proverbial saying" is somewhat redundant. The term "proverbial" already implies that something is a well-known saying or expression. It's better to just use "the "proverbial wisdom"" or "the "well-known advice"".

What does "proverbial only friends" mean?

The expression "proverbial only friends" suggests that a particular group or entity has very few, if any, genuine allies or supporters, highlighting their isolation.