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Webster 1913 Edition
Proverbial
Pro-ver′bi-al
,Adj.
[L.
proverbialis
: cf. F. proverbial
.] 1.
Mentioned or comprised in a proverb; used as a proverb; hence, commonly known;
as, a
proverbial
expression; his meanness was proverbial
.In case of excesses, I take the German
proverbial
cure, by a hair of the same beast, to be the worst. Sir W. Temple.
2.
Of or pertaining to proverbs; resembling a proverb.
“A proverbial obscurity.” Sir T. Browne.
Webster 1828 Edition
Proverbial
PROVERB'IAL
,Adj.
In case of excesses, I take the German proverbial cure, by a hair of the same beast, to be the worst in the world.
1.
Comprised in a proverb; used or current as a proverb; as a proverbial saying or speech.2.
Pertaining to proverbs; resembling a proverb; suitable to a proverb; as a proverbial obscurity.Definition 2024
proverbial
proverbial
English
Adjective
proverbial (comparative more proverbial, superlative most proverbial)
- Of, resembling, or expressed as a proverb, cliché, fable, or fairy tale.
- 1947, Miracle on 34th Street (transcript):
- Doris: You're making me feel like the proverbial stepmother.
- 1947, Miracle on 34th Street (transcript):
- Widely known; famous; stereotypical.
- I grew up in a prefab house on Main Street in 1950s suburbia, the second and last child of a proverbial nuclear family.
Translations
of a proverb
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widely known; famous
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Noun
proverbial (plural proverbials)
- (euphemistic) Used to replace a word that might be considered unacceptable in a particular situation, when using a well-known phrase.
- I think we should be prepared in case the proverbial hits the fan.
- (euphemistic) The groin or the testicles.
Translations
groin
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French
Adjective
proverbial m (feminine singular proverbiale, masculine plural proverbiaux, feminine plural proverbiales)