Saying: meaning, definitions and examples

Common and informal phrases used in everyday conversation to convey wisdom or general truths.

• As the saying goes, 'Better late than never
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A word or group of words used to convey an idea, feeling, or concept, often more specific than a saying.

• 'Break a leg' is a common expression to wish someone good luck

A short, traditional saying that expresses a commonplace truth or piece of advice. Often rooted in cultural or historical context.

• 'A stitch in time saves nine' is a proverb advising timely action

A short, concise statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct. Often formal and philosophical.

• One well-known maxim is 'Actions speak louder than words
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Use 'saying' when referring to a well-known, commonly used sentence that conveys a message or moral. It is often a traditional or widely recognized phrase that offers advice or wisdom.

• There's an old saying that patience is a virtue.
• As the saying goes, 'Time heals all wounds.'

Use 'phrase' to talk about any small group of words that work together to convey a specific idea. It can be a part of a sentence, an idiom, or even a saying, and it doesn't need to form a complete sentence.

• 'Under the weather' is a phrase meaning to feel ill.
• She often uses the phrase 'at the end of the day' to summarize her points.

Use 'idiom' for phrases where the meaning is not obvious based on the individual words. Idioms are often unique to specific languages or cultures and can be confusing for non-native speakers.

• 'Kick the bucket' is an idiom meaning to die.
• 'Spill the beans' is an idiom that means to reveal a secret.

Use 'expression' for any word or group of words that conveys an idea, feeling, or meaning. It can be more general than the other terms and applies to various forms of speech.

• His expression showed that he was unhappy.
• The expression 'break a leg' means good luck in the theater world.

Typically used to refer to a well-known phrase or proverb.

• There's an old saying that actions speak louder than words.
• He always remembers the sayings his grandmother taught him.

Often used in more formal or serious situations to describe making a sound or speaking, sometimes with an emphasis on the words being spoken. Can have a slightly negative or dramatic connotation.

• She couldn't utter a single word after hearing the news.
• He uttered a cry of despair.

Commonly used in the context of talking to someone directly, giving speeches, or using a specific language.

• Can you speak Spanish?
• He was nervous about speaking in front of the large audience.

Used when talking about showing feelings, opinions, or conveying ideas, often through words, art, or gestures.

• She expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped.
• Artists express their emotions through their work.