Saying
A general term for any short, often-repeated expression of a common idea.
A saying is the most general English term for a short, often-repeated expression. It covers proverbs, adages, maxims, and many slogans. When the precise category is unknown or unimportant, 'saying' is the safe word.
Sayings tend to be community property. They survive in oral culture by being easy to remember, easy to repeat, and broadly useful across situations.
Calling something 'a saying' is also a polite way to introduce a line you cannot attribute. 'There's a saying' is a softer claim than 'as Lincoln said' — and far less likely to be wrong.
“Where there's smoke, there's fire.”
Keep reading the glossary
A traditional saying that expresses a generally accepted truth — almost always anonymous.
An old, well-known saying that has acquired authority through long use.
A short rule for conduct, usually stated as a general principle.
Assigning a quote to the wrong person — the most common error in quotation.