proverbial

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Of, resembling, or expressed as a proverb, cliché, fable, or fairy tale.

   • The busyness of a beaver is proverbial.
   • The beaver in this instance upheld the reputation of the proverbial one: her output was prodigious.
   • Doris: You're making me feel like the proverbial stepmother.
2. 2

   Optionally placed before an element of a well-known proverb or metaphor to emphasize that…

   Optionally placed before an element of a well-known proverb or metaphor to emphasize that the element is not being used in a literal sense (see Usage notes below)

   • the proverbial smoking gun
   • the proverbial spilled milk
   • The visit was a warning shot across our proverbial bow
3. 3

   Widely known

   Widely known; famous; stereotypical.

   • I grew up in a prefab house on Main Street in 1950s suburbia, the second and last child of a proverbial nuclear family.
   • Mr. Obama has presented himself as a fresh face, unsteeped in Washington and the proverbial “politics as usual.”
4. ›+ 2 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Used to replace a word that might be considered unacceptable in a particular situation,…

      Used to replace a word that might be considered unacceptable in a particular situation, when using a well-known phrase.

      • I think we should be prepared in case the proverbial hits the fan.
      • Are you taking the proverbial?
   2. 5

      The groin or the testicles.

      • You'll find they've got you by the proverbials.

The neighborhood