Many a true word is spoken in jest is an adage, aphorism or proverb. An adage that describes a general moral rule is a "maxim". Hard cases make bad law is an adage or legal maxim. Basically applying the adage that wisdom is understanding what one doesn't know. This alludes to the adage that "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". The Middletown study is often quoted as an example of the adage "nothing really changes". Hence the old military adage "hold your horses". A common adage is that children are not simply "little adults". Murphy's law is a popular adage regarding misfortune. Likewise, the adage, "use it or lose it," applies. Similarly, consider the Italian adage ""traduttore, traditore""&colon; a literal translation is "translator, traitor". There's an old, old adage that refs don't make those calls in the last seconds. Frequently mentioned is the adage that war is 99% waiting. As the adage states&colon; "Time flies when you're having fun". This old tea adage indicates the rank of tea wares preferred for tea ceremonies.