Read a generous part of proverb (5)
I believe the answer is:
adage
'proverb' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'read a generous part' is the wordplay.
'part' indicates a hidden word.
'ADAGE' is hidden within 'read a generous'.
'of' is the link.
(Other definitions for adage that I've seen before include "Maxim, aphorism" , "Wise old saying" , "Axiom" , "Old saw" , "Old saying, maxim" .)