This is what I see as the thesis of Cooperâs book, an idea he traces across continents and through four centuries, from Mathew Lewisâs Gothic novel The Monk (1796) to James Wanâs âtorture pornâ film Saw (2004).
The definition of proverbial is something well-known or commonly referred to. When someone always uses the same old excuse, over and over again until it becomes old news, this is an example of that person's proverbial excuse. 1  of, or having the nature of, a proverb.  expressed in a proverb.
There are a number of specific types of saying, of which proverb is probably the best known. However, the distinction between them is often pretty vague. Adage An aphorism that has that has gained credit through long use. Example: Where there's smoke, there's fire. Aphorism A tersely, memorable phrased statement of a truth or opinion; an adage.