old saw

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

The Republicans going along with this latest scheme would do well to remember the old saw: There is no honor among thieves.

Read more on Slate

There has long been an old saw about Southern California: It’s a region too willing to bulldoze its history in the name of progress.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The old saw in presidential campaigns was: which candidate would you rather have a beer with?

Read more on Salon

The old saw that "states are the laboratories of democracy" has long been one of the rationales for states' rights adherents to excuse their anti-democratic behavior.

Read more on Salon

The old saw that "states are the laboratories of democracy" has long been one of the rationales for states' rights adherents to excuse their anti-democratic behavior.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• adventure 
• anecdote 
• article 
• autobiography 
• biography 
• book 
• comedy 
• description 
• drama 
• fable 
• fantasy 
• feature 
• fiction 
• history 
• information 
• legend 
• memoir 
• myth 
• narrative 
• novel