Adages and Proverbs

Proverbs 

• Proverb is a short, well-known saying stating a piece of advice or the general truth.  
• It can be described as a statement of practical wisdom expressed in a simple way.  
• It is based on common sense or a person’s practical experience. Proverbs are typically metaphorical or alliterative in form.  

Examples 

• Slow and steady wins the race.  
• Birds of a feather flock together.  
• Rolling stones gather no moss.  
• It is better to be smarter than you appear than to appear smarter than you are.  
• Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.  
• Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.  

Adages 

• It is a short, common saying or phrase that tends to be old, known for decades or centuries. 
• It refers to popular sayings that give advice. 
• It expresses a general truth about people or the world. 
• It could be based on facts. It can also come from a specific situation or job. 
• It is similar to a proverb and proverbs could be adages. 

Examples  

• A penny saved is a penny earned . 
• Slow and steady wins the race.  
• Better safe than sorry. 
• Little strokes fell great oaks. 
• Nothing ventured; nothing gained. 
• You live, you learn. 
• All roads lead to Rome. 
• Love is blind. 
• Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.               

Keep in mind 

• An adage is sometimes called proverb. 
• They are usually smaller than proverbs.  
• So don’t worry about mixing both up, as they have mostly similar qualities.