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Synonyms

old saw

Idioms  

  1. A proverb or maxim, as in Mom's always repeating the old saw, “Haste makes waste.” This term uses saw in the sense of “saying,” and old in the sense of “wise” rather than old-fashioned. [Second half of 1400s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It reminds me of the old saw that it takes years to build a reputation and only a few minutes to destroy it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

“The first casualty when war comes is truth,” as the old saw has it.

From Slate • May 13, 2024

As the old saw goes, "Dogs have owners, cats have staff."

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2023

Calhoun learns that old saw about forgiveness: that it is a gift not to the person you are forgiving but to yourself.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2022

“Then came a day that changed his mind. Young man, no one ever laughed at my saw after that day. Pop thought this old saw was a positive marvel.”

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.