proverbial Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective of or relating to or resembling or expressed in a proverb
- he kicked the proverbial bucket
- the proverbial grasshopper
adjective satellite widely known and spoken of
- her proverbial lateness
- the proverbial absentminded professor
- your proverbial dizzy blonde

L. proverbialis: cf. F. proverbial.

Mentioned or comprised in a proverb; used as a proverb; hence, commonly known; as, a proverbial expression; his meanness was proverbial.
In case of excesses, I take the German proverbial cure, by a hair of the same beast, to be the worst. Sir W. Temple.
Of or pertaining to proverbs; resembling a proverb. "A proverbial obscurity." Sir T. Browne.