gnome

Examples

• All

• The man had a face turned in on itself, like a gnome, the hardness of his eyes at odds with the twinkly smile that beamed at Noah over gingery whiskers.

  Fiction book (2002)

• A gnome is often quoted as saying, 'A stitch in time saves nine.'

• In life, remember the gnome who wisely stated, 'Honesty is the best policy.'

• As the wise gnome once advised, 'Actions speak louder than words.'

Synonyms

S

saying

vsgnome

201 1.7

A short well-known phrase that gives advice or a general truth

is specifically a short pithy form expressing a principle rather than any familiar phrase

P

proverb

vsgnome

37 3.9

A short well-known saying that gives advice or a general truth

is closer to concise principle statements rather than traditional folk advice

A

adage

vsgnome

32 4.2

A well-known short saying that gives advice or shows a general truth

is more pithy and principle oriented rather than only traditional advice

O

old saying

vsgnome

28 2.8

A short traditional phrase that gives advice or a general truth

is briefer and more pointed stating a general truth rather than long tradition

M

maxim

vsgnome

15 5.5

A short, well-known saying that gives a general rule for life

is like this but highlights general truth rather than a conduct rule

A

aphorism

vsgnome

9 7.4

A short, clever saying that shows a general truth

is the same idea but less focused on clever wording and wit

S

saw

vsgnome

5 6.4

A short memorable saying that gives common advice

is similar but emphasizes concise phrasing rather than wide acceptance

O

old saw

vsgnome

4 7.7

A common saying many people repeat that gives simple advice

is more concise and pithy focusing on a general principle rather than repetition

A

apothegm

vsgnome

• Archaic

9.9

A short, clever saying that teaches a truth or gives advice

is similar but focuses on general principle rather than direct instruction

Idioms

A

as elusive as the underpants gnome

• Informal

9.9

Describes something very hard to understand or find in a joking way

Compounds

U

underpants gnome

• Slang

9.9

A joke about a plan that misses an important step

Surface Forms

Etymology