saying
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a short, well-known phrase that expresses a general truth or gives advice.
a traditional proverb, maxim, or aphorism that encapsulates a common observation or piece of folk wisdom.
Simple“As the old saying goes, 'Better late than never.'”
In context“The speaker illustrated his point with a traditional saying, reminding the audience that patience is often its own reward.”
UsageOften introduced by phrases like 'as the saying goes' or 'there is an old saying'.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
something that someone has said.
the act of speaking or that which is spoken; an utterance.
Simple“The king's sayings were recorded by his loyal scribes.”
In context“In the ancient text, the prophet's sayings were treated as divine law by the local population.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is archaic; in modern English, use 'words' or 'statements' instead.
From say + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.