Conventional/received wisdom
noun
A belief or set of beliefs that are accepted by most people as being true.
The conventional wisdom is that exercise is good for you, but some studies have questioned this.
Often appears as...
- question the conventional wisdom
- go against the conventional wisdom
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
General understanding that is accepted without questioning.
The received wisdom in politics is that young people don't vote.
Often appears as...
- reject the received wisdom
- challenge the received wisdom
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
A belief or set of beliefs that are accepted by most people as being true.
The conventional wisdom is that exercise is good for you, but some studies have questioned this.
Often appears as...
- question the conventional wisdom
- go against the conventional wisdom
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
General understanding that is accepted without questioning.
The received wisdom in politics is that young people don't vote.
Often appears as...
- reject the received wisdom
- challenge the received wisdom
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Questioning Beliefs
It suggests that what most consider true might not be certain, inviting skepticism or further exploration.
He chose to question the conventional wisdom that a college degree guarantees success.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Variance
Conventional wisdom can differ widely among cultures; what's accepted in one may not be in another.
In her country, the conventional wisdom was to prioritize family over career.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Usage
Often used to challenge or discuss the status quo rather than to uphold actual wisdom.
The new study turns the conventional wisdom about high-fat diets on its head.
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