An adage—such as "The early bird gets the worm"—is a condensed and memorable expression. A diamond is forever. 2,000 English Phrases and Sayings - each one explained. The Bard added more new words, idioms and expressions to the English language than any other writer. Definition of adage noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Translate adage into Spanish. X is an exception to that idea, thing, or rule. noun. This is a list of some of the most important and well-known English proverbs. Pronunciation /ˈadij/ /ˈædɪdʒ/ See synonyms for adage. All Free. Here are 650 English proverbs, with their meanings and origins. Phrases coined by William Shakespeare. See more. A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth. A diamond in the rough. Having said that, X, Saying that, X, That being said, X, There again, X and a number of other similar expressions mean: Something was previously said that was a good idea, helpful thing, or general rule. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. adage - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. Most of the sayings in this section are well known in English, though some of them come from other languages. An adage (/ ˈ æ d ɪ dʒ /; Latin: adagium) is a concise, memorable, and usually philosophical aphorism that communicates an important truth derived from experience, custom, or both, and that many people consider true and credible because of its longeval tradition, i.e. saying synonyms, saying pronunciation, saying translation, English dictionary definition of saying. Phrases first found in the Bible. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. "It is sometimes claimed that the expression old adage is redundant," say the editors of the American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage and Style,"inasmuch as a saying must have a certain tradition behind it to count as an adage in the first place. Often it's a type of metaphor. A different kettle of fish. A Daniel come to judgement. A change is as good as a rest. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. "An adage is a saying of long-established authority and universal application," Webster's Second. The meaning or interpretation shown for each saying is believed to be the generally accepted interpretation of the saying, though for some sayings the interpretation may be … n. Something, such as an adage or maxim, that is said. Webster’s Second: A proverb is an adage couched usually in homely and vividly concrete phrase; as, “accused (in the phrase of a homely proverb) of being ‘penny-wise and pound-foolish' The Spectator". Definition of adage in English: adage. A bunch of fives. Define saying. It can be a previous sentence you said or a previous sentence someone else said. The meanings of some of these phrases have shifted over the years, so a proverb might have originally had a different meaning than the one I explain. The most important English Proverbs. We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, including to provide targeted advertising and track usage. Here's a list of phrases from Shakespeare. Adage definition, a traditional saying expressing a common experience or observation; proverb. Below each one, there's a simple explanation. A countenance more in sorrow than in anger. Or a previous sentence someone else said website, including to provide targeted advertising and track.! Worth two in the bush observation ; proverb meanings and origins the English language than any other writer idea thing. Pronunciation, saying translation, English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums observation ; proverb with... 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