proverbial

Meaning

Adj

1. Of, resembling, or expressed as a proverb, cliché, fable, or fairy tale.
2. Optionally placed before an element of a well-known proverb or metaphor to emphasize that the element is not being used in a literal sense (see Usage notes below)
3. Widely known; famous; stereotypical.

Noun

1. (euphemistic) Used to replace a word that might be considered unacceptable in a particular situation, when using a well-known phrase.
2. (euphemistic, in-plural) The groin or the testicles.

Synonyms

well-known

cliché

distinguished

fabled

fabulous

famed

famous

grand

known

large

renowned

far-famed

well-mined

accomplished

adagial

Translations

proverbiale

proverbial

sprichwörtlich

proverbial

proverbial

proverbial

παροιμιώδης

شفهي

παροιμιακός

ünlü

spreekwoordelijk

proverbial

Pronounced as (IPA)

/pɹəˈvɜɹb.iː.əl/

Etymology

From Latin prōverbiālis, equivalent to proverb + -ial