maxim
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈmæksəm// UK //mˈæksɪm// max·im
n. a short, well-known phrase that gives advice or states a general truth about life. You use it to explain a rule you live by.
n. a concise statement of a general truth or rule of conduct. Often serves as a guiding principle for personal behavior or philosophical thought.
My favorite maxim is that less is more.
The company operates under the maxim that the customer is always right, even when they are difficult.
While the politician often quoted the maxim regarding honesty, his legislative record suggested a much more pragmatic and flexible approach to the truth.
* (machine guns): After the inventor Sir Hiram Maxim (1840-1916).
Usage
Commonly used with verbs like 'follow', 'live by', or 'adopt'.