Proverbial (Adjective)

Meaning ¹

Of or relating to or resembling or expressed in a proverb; "he kicked the proverbial bucket"; "the proverbial grasshopper".

Classification

Relational adjectives (pertainyms).

Examples

• The detective was searching for the proverbial needle in the haystack, a small clue that could crack the case wide open.
• The team scored a proverbial own goal when their player accidentally kicked the ball into their own goal.
• After years of hard work, she finally caught the proverbial big break that launched her career.
• The athletes had to push themselves to run the proverbial extra mile to meet the demanding training requirements.
• The company's financial troubles led to the proverbial last straw, forcing them to file for bankruptcy.

Related Words

• Proverb (noun)

Meaning ²

Widely known and spoken of; "her proverbial lateness"; "the proverbial absentminded professor"; "your proverbial dizzy blonde".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The company's proverbial success story was often cited as an inspiration to entrepreneurs.
• Her proverbial green thumb made her the go-to person for gardening advice in the neighborhood.
• The proverbial small-town charm of the village was a major draw for tourists.
• The proverbial "absent-minded professor" stereotype was perpetuated by the forgetful academic.
• The actress's proverbial diva behavior on set was the subject of much gossip and speculation.