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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

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As the old saw goes, the best time to get into memory stocks is when things go from bleak to merely awful, and the best time to get out is when gross margins are peaking.

From Barron's Jun. 26, 2026

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

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.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 12, 2025

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

From Salon Sep. 9, 2024

“There is no reason to doubt the old saw that the most important decision you make is choosing your parents,” said David Levine, the Berkeley economist and mobility researcher.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

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