proverbial

/prəˈvɜrbiəl/
adjective
  1. Relating to or resembling a proverb; well-known and often referred to.
    • The proverbial early bird catches the worm, so she woke up at dawn.
    • The team's victory was the proverbial icing on the cake after a perfect season.
    • He has the proverbial memory of an elephant, never forgetting a face.
  2. Used to refer to a person or thing that is a typical or famous example of something.
    • She is the proverbial good neighbor, always ready to help.
    • He became the proverbial black sheep of the family after leaving his job.
    • The old house was the proverbial fixer-upper, needing work in every room.
What does "proverbial" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean