As people say or as the proverb goes

[arzgol]

1) As the proverb goes ''where there is a will, there is a way.''
Can I say ''as people say'' even though I know it is a proverb?

2) Can I say "She was very sad and devastated''., or should I omit the word ''sad''.

Thank you so much.

[SoothingDave]

1. Yes. Or "like people say..."

2. People who are devastated are usually sad. Just say "She was devastated."