proverbial pat

[keannu]

(1)

Marcia admits she gets uncomfortable when a client seems unhappy, ill at ease, or near tears, and her first response is reassurance.​

(2)

She believes this has worked well in her long list of impressive leadership roles, and she brings this same perspective to coaching.​

(3)

Yet through peer feedback, she begins to notice that her quick move to reassure a client, grab the box of tissues, or give the proverbial pat on the back robs the client of important moments of exploration.​

Does this "proverbial" mean "as in proverbs" or "well-known"?​

 

[SoothingDave]

It means the expression "pat on the back" is as well-known as a proverb, it is a set expression, it is cliche.