Adage – old and well-known saying
An adage is a short statement or saying that has been used by many generations, perhaps for hundreds of years. An adage expresses a general truth.
Add age (adage) and you will know the true meaning of this expression: “If you play with fire you're likely to get burned.”
Many adages are proverbs – sayings that have been handed down through generations, such as: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.
Some people have tried to draw a distinction between adage and proverb, but in modern use the two terms are interchangeable.
Other examples
As you sow, so shall you reap.
It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
If you want a job doing properly, do it yourself.
