# proverbial

/pɹəˈvɝbiəɫ/ (US) · /pɹəvˈɜːbɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/proverbial
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

describes something that is very famous or well-known because people often talk about it or mention it in old sayings. You use it to refer to a common idea that everyone already understands.

For teachers: relating to or resembling a proverb; widely referred to or well-known. Often used to introduce a cliché or a common cultural reference.

## Examples

- He is the proverbial early bird who always arrives first.
- The team's failure was the proverbial final straw that led to the manager being fired.
- By the time the rescue party arrived, the proverbial needle in a haystack had been found by a local farmer who knew the terrain intimately.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun to signal that the speaker is using a common metaphor or idiom.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.