An adage is a short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice. It is often used to convey wisdom and can be applied to many different situations in life. The term comes from the Latin word "adagium," which means "saying."
Usage examples
"Actions speak louder than words" is an adage that reminds us that people's actions have a greater impact than their mere words.
"A stitch in time saves nine" is an adage that emphasizes the importance of addressing a problem promptly to prevent it from worsening.
"You can't judge a book by its cover" is an adage that advises against making assumptions based solely on appearance.
"Haste makes waste" is an adage that cautions against rushing through tasks as it can lead to mistakes or inefficiency.
"Once bitten, twice shy" is an adage that suggests that a negative experience makes someone more cautious in the future.
"The early bird catches the worm" is an adage that highlights the benefits of being proactive and starting things early.
"Where there's smoke, there's fire" is an adage that implies that rumors or suspicions often have some truth to them.
"Don't count your chickens before they hatch" is an adage that advises against celebrating or relying on something before it is certain to happen.
"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" is an adage that suggests it is better to hold onto what you have rather than risk losing it for something uncertain.
"Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me" is an adage that conveys the importance of learning from past mistakes to avoid repeating them.