Short pithy saying (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: PROVERB (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Short pithy saying" with 7 letters is "PROVERB".Proverb is a short, pithy saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice. These concise and memorable phrases often reflect cultural wisdom or moral lessons, passed down through generations, and are widely used in everyday language to convey practical wisdom or life lessons.
Why “Proverb” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning “short pithy saying.” The answer, PROVERB, fits perfectly:
- Short pithy saying: Proverb means a concise and memorable statement expressing a general truth, advice, or cultural wisdom — exactly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With seven letters, proverb fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The word conveys a brief, wise saying that often carries moral guidance or practical insight, making it an ideal answer to the clue.
Proverb has a rich historical background rooted in human storytelling, wisdom, and tradition:
Origin and usage:
- Derived from the Latin proverbium, a compound of pro (“forth”) and verbum (“word”).
- Entered Middle English in the 12th century from Old French, retaining its meaning as a saying that “speaks forth” wisdom.
Purpose and function:
- Used across cultures to capture shared human experiences in short, memorable form.
- Often metaphorical, proverbs simplify complex life lessons through analogy.
Characteristics:
- Concise and rhythmic phrasing.
- Universally relatable truth or advice.
- Frequently traditional — passed orally through generations.
Examples:
- “Actions speak louder than words.”
- “A stitch in time saves nine.”
- “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
In quick crosswords like “Short pithy saying (7),” clues describing quotations, phrases, or life lessons typically lead to proverb terms:
Definition: The entire clue serves as a direct definition, describing the essential nature of a proverb.
Clue type: Simple definition clue — factual and direct.
Solving approach:
- Focus on words synonymous with “saying” or “maxim,” such as adage, aphorism, motto, saw, or proverb.
- The hint “short pithy” distinguishes it from longer moral tales or idioms, pointing specifically to proverb.
- The (7) enumeration confirms proverb as the only fitting choice among possible options.
Crossword pattern: Ethical or linguistic clues often highlight forms of expression — proverb, adage, parable, or maxim — rooted in human wisdom or cultural language.
