Clichés

In communication — whether written or spoken — we aim to express ideas freshly and originally. However, sometimes we fall into the habit of using common, overused phrases that have lost their originality and impact over time.

These overused phrases are called clichés.

Definition of a Cliché

Simple Definition:
A cliché is a phrase, expression, or idea that has been used so often that it has lost its original power or freshness.

Academic Definition:

A cliché is a linguistic device — a word, phrase, opinion, or metaphor — that has become so overused in communication that it no longer seems interesting, meaningful, or creative. It often reflects lazy thinking or lack of originality.

Example:  At the end of the day, everything happens for a reason. (Overused, predictable, not thought-provoking)

Origin of the Term "Cliché"

The word "cliché" comes from French, originally used in printing.
In old printing presses, a cliché was a plate used to print the same material repeatedly — much like how clichés today repeat the same ideas without change.

Why Should We Avoid Clichés?

Clichés weaken communication because they:

• Sound dull and predictable
• Show a lack of thought or effort
• Make writing or speaking unmemorable
• Fail to evoke emotional or intellectual responses
• Disconnect the audience, especially in creative or formal settings

A good speaker or writer aims to be fresh, vivid, and engaging, not to blend into the background of overused expressions.

Common Types of Clichés

1. Phrases and Idioms

These are everyday expressions that once sounded clever but now feel worn out.

Cliché	Fresh Alternative
At the end of the day	Ultimately / In conclusion
Every cloud has a silver lining	There’s hope even in hard times
Think outside the box	Be creative / Use new approaches
Time heals all wounds	Healing takes time
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade	Turn problems into opportunities

 

2. Advice Clichés

These clichés often appear when giving life advice. Though well-meaning, they sound hollow due to overuse.

Cliché	Fresh Alternative
It is what it is	Accept things as they are
Everything happens for a reason	Find meaning in every situation
Follow your heart	Trust your inner instincts

 

3. Romantic Clichés

Especially common in poetry, movies, or songs — these phrases fail to express real emotion because they are too predictable.

Cliché	Fresh Alternative
Love is blind	Love overlooks flaws
My heart skipped a beat	I felt overwhelmed with emotion
Head over heels in love	Deeply in love

 

4. Dramatic or Emotional Clichés

Used to heighten drama but often end up sounding artificial.

Cliché	Fresh Alternative
Dead as a doornail	Completely lifeless
Fit as a fiddle	Very healthy
Scared to death	Extremely frightened

 

How to Spot a Cliché

Ask yourself:

• Is this phrase something I've heard many times before?
• Does it feel generic rather than specific?
• Does it fail to create a vivid image?
• Could a more original phrase convey my idea better?

If yes — cut it out or replace it!

How to Avoid Clichés in Writing and Speaking

• Be Specific: Use clear, fresh descriptions.
• Use Personal Language: Share personal, unique experiences rather than repeating general phrases.
• Revise: After drafting, check and remove clichés.
• Find Original Metaphors: Create new comparisons based on your own ideas.
• Think Deeply: What exactly do you mean? Find words that match your real meaning.

Summary

• Clichés are overused phrases that weaken originality.
• Good communicators choose fresh, vivid expressions.
• Avoiding clichés makes your writing and speaking more powerful, personal, and memorable.

Note- Great communication is not just about what you say — it’s about how you say it!

Practice Exercises on Clichés

✏️ Exercise 1: Identify the Clichés

Ques. Underline the cliché(s) in the following sentences:

1. At the end of the day, we all just want to be happy.
2. She was head over heels in love with him.
3. Time heals all wounds, so don't worry.
4. He's fit as a fiddle even at the age of sixty.
5. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Answers:

1. At the end of the day — cliché
2. Head over heels in love — cliché
3. Time heals all wounds — cliché
4. Fit as a fiddle — cliché
5. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade — cliché

✏️ Exercise 2: Rewrite Without Clichés

Ques. Rewrite the following sentences in a fresh, original way:

1. Every cloud has a silver lining.
2. It is what it is.
3. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her.
4. Think outside the box for this project.
5. Dead as a doornail.

Answers:

Original	Fresh Alternative
Every cloud has a silver lining.	Even bad days teach us something valuable.
It is what it is.	Some things are beyond our control.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw her.	I felt a rush of excitement when I saw her.
Think outside the box for this project.	Come up with fresh and unusual ideas for this project.
Dead as a doornail.	Completely unresponsive / Totally lifeless.

 

✏️ Exercise 3: Cliché or Not?

Ques. Identify if the following phrases are clichés (Yes/No):

·         Break the ice
·         Cry over spilled milk
·         Learn the ropes
·         Build a sandcastle
·         Plant a seed

Answers:

Phrase	Cliché?
Break the ice	Yes
Cry over spilled milk	Yes
Learn the ropes	Yes
Build a sandcastle	No
Plant a seed	No