proverbial

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So you can understand, if not necessarily agree with, their reluctance to drop out and call it a day, in the hope that, just maybe, that proverbial bolt of lightning will strike.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Investors should look beyond the immediate headlines of war and the energy price shock and instead focus on fundamentals and climb the proverbial wall of worry, one leading bank says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

I like the idea that he was still a schoolboy wearing his shorts and his sandals, although I think that's ripping the proverbial out of it.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Next to all that, a rocky relationship styled into an on-and-off situationship for a reality TV subplot is the proverbial hill of beans Rick Blaine mentioned in “Casablanca.”

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

As Otto’s second child but eldest son, Tycho was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, but his life almost immediately took a twist which might have come right out of a play.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin