a brief and expressive saying that is used in common parlance to state a general truth or piece of advice; a short and popular saying, often metaphorical in nature but fairly universal in relevance;
e.g. He refrained from opening his speech with a proverb, thinking that it would be unimaginative.
(verb)
to speak of in a proverbial manner;
e.g. He proverbs insightful quotes just when someone needs them.