# saying

/ˈseɪɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈeɪɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/saying
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a proverb

noun · CEFR B1

a short, well-known phrase that expresses a general truth or gives advice.

For teachers: a traditional proverb, maxim, or aphorism that encapsulates a common observation or piece of folk wisdom.

- As the old saying goes, 'Better late than never.'
- The speaker illustrated his point with a traditional saying, reminding the audience that patience is often its own reward.

Usage: Often introduced by phrases like 'as the saying goes' or 'there is an old saying'.

### 3. an utterance

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

something that someone has said.

For teachers: the act of speaking or that which is spoken; an utterance.

- The king's sayings were recorded by his loyal scribes.
- In the ancient text, the prophet's sayings were treated as divine law by the local population.

Teaching tip: This sense is archaic; in modern English, use 'words' or 'statements' instead.

## Examples

- There is an old saying that time heals all wounds.
- My grandmother always had a clever saying for every difficult situation we faced.
- While many people dismiss the phrase as a tired cliché, the old saying remains a remarkably accurate description of human behavior in times of crisis.

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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.