成語 — meaning in English

English meaning

• adage noun A short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of wisdom.
• byword noun A proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase.

Senses

成語 is used for these senses in English:

• adage An old saying which has obtained credit by long use.
• byword A proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase.

byword — full definition

1. noun A proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase.
2. noun A characteristic word or expression; a word or phrase associated with a person or group.
3. noun Someone or something that stands as an example (i.e. metonymically) for something else, by having some of that something's characteristic traits.
4. noun An object of notoriety or contempt, scorn or derision.