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proverb

[prov-erb] / ˈprɒv ərb /


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.

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The eccentric executive cast his criticism as friendly, invoking the French proverb "qui aime bien chatie bien" -- spare the rod, spoil the child.

From Barron's ● Sep. 2, 2026

But if you invest for the long term, recognize that the economic sectors poised to grow more than average are those that help people become, as the old proverb has it, healthy, wealthy and wise.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 27, 2026

"There's an African proverb that says, 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together' and so my desire is to go far and together."

From BBC ● Jan. 28, 2026

I conclude not with a joke but with a proverb at the essence of most Jewish jokes: What is as whole as a Jew with a broken heart?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 21, 2025

These survive in the Latin proverb Mali corvi malum ovum—an immemorial testament to the discovery that it is possible to be too much of a smart-ass.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Quite a few of the latter — mostly delivered in the form of Chinese proverbs — are dropped by the author’s parents, Chinese immigrants who met in New York as graduate students.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2025

His lyrics are different from Chinese rappers who try to compete in the complexity of their rhymes, often using chengyu, four-character literary proverbs.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 5, 2024

Asked about what appeared to be a ban on coverage of him on state media, Prigozhin used a series of Russian proverbs to poke fun at those responsible: "What is forbidden is always sweeter."

From Reuters ● May 28, 2023

"I don't sing about love very often, no. In my songs in Tshiluba there are often proverbs, things that are a little different compared to the other singers," she said.

From BBC ● Dec. 16, 2022

“I was a little worried when this boy didn’t know the proverbs, but it’s clear the ancestors have sent him. I vote he stays.”

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer




Vocabulary lists containing proverb


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