noun
adage
AD-ihj
noun
1
A short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of wisdom.
"The old adage "look before you leap" proved true once again."
"As the adage goes, patience is a virtue."
How to Use Adage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional saying that captures a common piece of wisdom, similar to a proverb.
Easily confused with
adagio
Common pairings
old adage
as the adage goes
common adage
Word Forms
adages plural
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The old _____ "look before you leap" proved true once again.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French adage, from Latin adagium.