A proverb is a short,well-known saying that expresses a common truth or belief.
VOA: special.2009.08.30
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".
We are simply saying that it is well known that Syria and Russia have an arms-supply relationship that goes back a half century, including providing arms and helicopters.
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.