Learn English – Single word for an idiom giving advice

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I'm trying to find a word referring to an idiom that gives advice (e.g. "Fake it till you make it"). "Nugget of wisdom" is kind of what I'm looking for, but I want a single word, not another idiom.

Edit: I should specify that I'm looking for a word that describes "Fake it till you make it".

Best Answer

Pithy statements that give advice, e.g. "Fake it till you make it" (not a particularly good one, however...) are called aphorisms:

A tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion; an adage.

They are also known as adages, maxims, axioms, etc.

Common aphorisms are easy to recognize, and they aren't necessarily idioms:

  • Actions speak louder than words.
  • To err is human, to forgive divine.
  • Necessity is the mother of invention.
  • Don't put all your eggs in the same basket.
  • People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

The last two are idioms. However, Fake it 'til you make it is not.

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