proverbial

American  

[pruh-vur-bee-uhl] / prəˈvɜr bi əl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a proverb.

   proverbial brevity.

2. expressed in a proverb or proverbs.

   proverbial wisdom.

3. of the nature of or resembling a proverb.

   proverbial sayings.

4. having been made the subject of a proverb.

   the proverbial barn door which is closed too late.

5. having become an object of common mention or reference.

   your proverbial inability to get anywhere on time.

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proverbial British  

/ prəˈvɜːbɪəl /

adjective

1. (prenominal) commonly or traditionally referred to, esp as being an example of some peculiarity, characteristic, etc

2. of, connected with, embodied in, or resembling a proverb

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Other Word Forms

• proverbially adverb
• unproverbial adjective
• unproverbially adverb

Etymology

Origin of proverbial

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word prōverbiālis. See proverb, -al ¹

Example Sentences

But instead of proverbial smoke rising above Citi Field, Tucker, who turns 29 on Saturday, will land in Chavez Ravine’s batter’s box — the latest marquee free-agent signing by the two-time defending World Series champions.

From Los Angeles Times

At some point, the proverbial Rubicon will be crossed, and there may be serious cause for alarm.

From MarketWatch

French superstar Kylian Mbappe was hammering the goals in but the team rarely flowed in attack, with too many cooks spoiling the proverbial broth.

From Barron's

This year, the Golden Globes are a multi-day affair, with an inaugural “Golden Week” serving as a proverbial pregame for Hollywood’s party of the year.

From Los Angeles Times

His goal, he says, is to end the evening with a proverbial arms-in-the-air win.

From The Wall Street Journal