Dictionary
the proverbial
noun
Used to replace a word that might be considered unacceptable in a particular situation, when using a well-known phrase.
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The word "the proverbial" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to describe something that is widely known, especially through stories or sayings. For example, one might say, "I've been working hard all day, but my efforts have been to no avail--it seems I'm banging my head against the proverbial brick wall."
Exact(58)
The proverbial blank slate".
Are we the proverbial chopped liver?
This is the proverbial black swan.
A drop in the proverbial bucket.
The Greeks are the proverbial plucky underdogs.
Flat as the proverbial pancake.
I don't have the proverbial golden ears.
Talk about the proverbial three strikes.
Balding, bespectacled, moustache like the proverbial walrus.
Take the proverbial boy in the sandbox.
It's the proverbial warning for England.
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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com