A proverb is a short,well-known saying that expresses a common truth or belief.
VOA: special.2009.08.30
The family go to see him perform the Shakespeare play "Macbeth, " but bring him bad luck by saying the play's name aloud -- in defiance of a well-known theatrical superstition.
His woes might be compounded by a former junior minister, Ian Taylor, well-known for his enthusiasm for Europe and distaste for Mr Hague's policy saying that highlighting "save the pound" was "folly".