Proverbial

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /pɹəˈvɜɹb.iː.É™l/

Origin

• proverb + -ial

Full definition of proverbial

Adjective

1. Of, resembling, or expressed as a proverb, cliché, fable, or fairy tale.
• 1947, Miracle on 34th Street (transcript):Doris: You're making me feel like the proverbial stepmother.
2. Widely known; famous; stereotypical.I grew up in a prefab house on Main Street in 1950s suburbia, the second and last child of a proverbial nuclear family.

Noun

1. (euphemistic) Used to replace a word that might be considered unacceptable in a particular situation, when using a well-known phrase.I think we should be prepared in case the proverbial hits the fan.
2. (euphemistic) The groin or the testicles.