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Can you keep a secret? Don’t spill the beans!
What is a Cliche? A cliché is an overused phrase or expression that has lost its original impact. Clichés are common in everyday language, especially in speech, writing, and media.
- At the end of the day – used to summarize the final point or outcome.
- The grass is always greener on the other side – people often think others have it better.
- Spill the beans – to reveal secret information.
- Every cloud has a silver lining – there’s always something good in a bad situation.
- Living the dream – used ironically or seriously to describe an ideal life.
- The sky’s the limit – suggests no limits to what can be achieved.
- Head over heels – deeply in love.
What is a Cliche? Cliché Definition and Examples
Clichés are phrases or expressions that have become overused to the point of losing their original meaning and impact.
While they can provide familiarity in language, relying on clichés can hinder effective communication.
This article will explore what clichés are, how to use them, their differences from other expressions, and provide examples, exercises, and a Q&A section to enhance your understanding.
A cliché is an idea or phrase that has been repeated so often it has lost its novelty and effectiveness.
For example, “think outside the box” is a commonly used phrase that once encouraged creativity but is now often dismissed as unoriginal.
Cliché or Cliche Meaning
The word cliché has a French accent mark over the ‘e’ and is the formal and correct spelling. Sometimes the word omits this accent for convenience, like an informal version. So the meaning of cliché and cliche are the same.
2 -Difference Between Cliché and Other Expressions
Clichés differ from other expressions in several ways:
Truisms
Truisms are accepted truths (e.g., “time flies”) that keep their meaning, while clichés are overused over time so lose their relevance.
Idioms
Idioms have specific meanings not deducible from their literal interpretations (e.g., “kick the bucket”), whereas clichés often lose their impact through overuse.
Proverbs
Proverbs convey moral lessons (e.g., “a penny saved is a penny earned”) and remain meaningful, unlike clichés.
Trope
A trope is a pattern, figure of speech or series of words that are recognizable because of their repeated use. It is often used figuratively, meaning not the actual meaning of the word, like in the metaphor “the world is a stage”. Once a phrase gets overused it can be said to be “clichéd”.
Stereotype
A stereotype is a general view of a group of people that is over simplified, unfair and possibly untrue. Built on historical characteristics of a group of people it is often outdated and based on humor or a prejudice view.
3 - How to Use Clichés
Clichés can be used in various contexts:
- Conversationally: They may serve as icebreakers or familiar references in informal discussions.
- In Writing: While they can add a relatable touch, excessive use can make writing feel lazy or uninspired.
- In Public Speaking: Clichés can engage audiences but should be used sparingly to maintain authenticity.
Avoid Cliché Usage?
Clichés are prevalent in everyday language but should be used with caution. Understanding their role and recognizing when they may detract from communication will enhance your language skills and help you express yourself more effectively. By exploring their meanings and implications, you can navigate conversations with greater clarity and originality.
Thought-Terminating Cliché
A cliche used to finish a conversation is called a thought-terminating cliché. It can summarize what the conversation is really saying, or act as a period or full stop to say the conversation has reached its end.
4 - Examples of Clichés
To understand clichés and how they are used here are four examples with definitions, example sentences and conversation and an explanation of their use
Spill the Beans
Definition: Reveal a secret
Example Sentences:
- I need to know, spill the beans.
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: How did you know about the party, it was a secret?
- Person 2: Mark spilt the beans
- Person 1: Oh, never mind.
Explanation: a
Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
Definition: There’s something good in every bad situation
Example Sentences:
- Even though she lost her job, Sarah found a silver lining when she was offered a better position elsewhere.
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: Today was so busy, I’m really tired.
- Person 2: Youi mean you will have an easy day tomorrow because you did the work today?
- Person 1: Yes, every cloud has a silver lining I suppose.
Explanation: Every cloud has a silver lining means that even in difficult or challenging situations, there is always something positive or hopeful to be found. It encourages people to look for the good amid adversity.
At the End of the Day
Definition: When you consider everything, or in conclusion.
Example Sentences:
- At the end of the day, we all want to be happy
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: I’m worried about the project
- Person 2: At the end of the day, we can only do our best.
- Person 1: Yes, you are right.
Explanation: This phrase suggests that after considering everything, the final outcome is most important
The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side
Definition: People think other situations are better than their own
Example Sentences:
- After seeing his friends’ vacations, Jake thought the grass was always greener on the other side, but his trip was great too.
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: I’m not sure if I want to keep this job, my friends seem happier.
- Person 2: Maybe, but it always seems like the grass is greener on the other side. But not when you try it.
- Person 1: Perhaps you are right.
Explanation: The grass is always greener on the other side refers to the tendency people have to believe that others have it better, even when their own situation might be just as good. It’s a reminder that perceptions of others’ lives are often idealized and not always true.
5 - Cliché Examples
In this section there are a wide range of ways to use clichés from human or animal traits and characteristics, the weather, colors to words of wisdom.
Mind Games and Gut Feelings: Exploring Human Traits
A leopard can’t change its spots
- People can’t change their inherent nature
- No matter how hard he tried, Tom was still selfish — a leopard can’t change its spots.
You can’t judge a book by its cover
- Appearances don’t reveal everything about someone or something
- Although his first impression was awkward, you can’t judge a book by its cover; he turned out to be a great friend.
Get inside someone’s head
- To understand or influence someone’s thoughts
- It was difficult to get inside Laura’s head, but after talking to her, I finally understood her point of view.
A leopard can’t change its spots suggests that a person’s fundamental character or nature is fixed and unchangeable. It implies that even if someone tries to act differently, their true nature will always come through.
You can’t judge a book by its cover reminds us that external appearances can be misleading. It teaches the value of looking deeper and not making assumptions based on superficial qualities.
Get inside someone’s head refers to understanding or figuring out someone’s thoughts, feelings, or motivations. It can also mean influencing or persuading someone by understanding their mindset.
Heartstrings and Hand-Holding: Love and Relationships
Love is blind
- People fall in love without noticing flaws
- Even though her friends warned her, Maria didn’t see his faults — love is blind.
Plenty of fish in the sea
- There are many other potential romantic partners
- After his breakup, Dan’s sister reminded him there were plenty of fish in the sea.
Head over heels
- Deeply in love
- James was head over heels for Anna after just one date.
Love is blind means that people in love often overlook the flaws or problems in the person they care about. It suggests that emotions can cloud judgment, and that people might not see what others clearly can.
Plenty of fish in the sea is used to comfort someone after a breakup, reminding them that there are many other people out there they could fall in love with. It compares dating to fishing, where there’s always another opportunity.
Head over heels describes someone who has fallen deeply and quickly in love. It’s often used to express strong romantic feelings that seem to take over someone’s emotions or behavior.
Dream of Rags to Riches: Life and Success
The sky’s the limit
- There are no limits to what someone can achieve
- With his determination and skill, it’s clear that the sky’s the limit for Ryan’s future.
Burning the candle at both ends
- Working too hard or staying up too late
- She was burning the candle at both ends, trying to juggle her job and study.
Living the dream
- Living a life of success or happiness
- After landing his dream job, Tim was finally living the dream.
The sky’s the limit means that there are no boundaries or limits to what someone can accomplish. It expresses the belief that anything is possible with hard work and determination, often used to inspire someone to reach for their highest goals.
Burning the candle at both ends describes someone who is overworking or staying up late to finish tasks, often to the point of exhaustion. It reflects the idea of stretching oneself too thin by working excessively, especially when trying to balance multiple responsibilities.
Living the dream is often used to describe someone who has achieved their ideal or perfect life. It reflects a sense of fulfillment, where everything falls into place, and the person feels as though they are experiencing their version of ultimate success and happiness.
Stronger and Pep Talks: Advice and Wisdom
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
- Difficult experiences help you grow
- Losing the game was tough, but Greg reminded himself that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
When one door closes, another opens
- New opportunities arise when one ends
- After the company downsized, John found comfort in the saying “when one door closes, another opens” when he received an unexpected job offer.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
- Don’t assume success before it happens
- She started planning the vacation before hearing back about the job, but I reminded her not to count her chickens before they hatch.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink
- You can provide opportunities, but you can’t force someone to take advantage of them
- We told Tim how to improve his work, but you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink — he needs to apply the advice himself.
Better safe than sorry
- It’s better to be cautious than to take risks
- Instead of hiking alone, I decided it’s better safe than sorry and took a friend with me.
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger is used to reassure someone that tough experiences or setbacks can help build resilience and strength. It suggests that overcoming hardships ultimately makes a person more capable in the future.
When one door closes, another opens refers to the idea that opportunities will arise when other opportunities are no longer available. It encourages optimism and the belief that there’s always another chance on the horizon.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch reminds us not to assume that something will happen before it actually does. It’s a warning against premature expectations or plans.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink highlights the idea that you can offer advice, help, or opportunities to others, but you can’t force them to take action. It’s often used to express frustration when someone doesn’t take advantage of help given.
Better safe than sorry advises caution in situations where there could be risks involved. It suggests that taking preventive measures is a wise decision to avoid unnecessary consequences.
Battle Cries and Broken Records: Motivation and Action
Go the extra mile
- To make an extra effort or do more than expected
- To finish the project on time, Sarah decided to go the extra mile and work through the weekend.
Actions speak louder than words
- What people do is more important than what they say
- Instead of just talking about helping, Mark showed his support — actions speak louder than words.
Push the envelope
- To go beyond the usual limits or try something new
- The team pushed the envelope by introducing a groundbreaking new feature to their product.
Go the extra mile means to put in additional effort or do more than is required, often in order to achieve better results or impress others. It suggests going beyond the minimum expectations to achieve something special.
Actions speak louder than words emphasizes that what people actually do is more meaningful and telling than what they say. It’s often used to remind others that behavior reveals a person’s true intentions or character.
Push the envelope is used to describe pushing boundaries or challenging limits. It often refers to creativity or innovation, suggesting that one should strive to go beyond what’s expected in order to achieve something extraordinary.
Common Ground and Shared Struggles: Common Experiences
Been there, done that
- Having experienced something already
- Don’t worry about the challenge, I’ve been there, done that, and it’s not so bad.
A picture is worth a thousand words
- An image can convey meaning more effectively than words
- Instead of explaining the idea, she showed him the design; a picture is worth a thousand words.
Been there, done that means that someone has already experienced a particular situation or challenge, and they are familiar with it. It’s often used to express a sense of familiarity or to downplay the difficulty of something.
A picture is worth a thousand words suggests that images can convey complex ideas or emotions more effectively than words alone. It highlights the power of visual communication to express meaning in a direct and impactful way.
Bumps in the Road and Trials of Life: Tough Situations, Difficulty, and Misfortune
When it rains, it pours
- Misfortune tends to come all at once
- First, I lost my job, then my car broke down — when it rains, it pours.
A stitch in time saves nine
- Solving a problem early prevents more problems later
- If we fix this leak now, a stitch in time saves nine — it’ll save us bigger issues later.
Take the bull by the horns
- To face a difficult situation with courage and determination
- Instead of waiting for things to get better, Rachel took the bull by the horns and confronted her boss.
When it rains, it pours means that difficulties or misfortunes tend to happen in groups, often when things go wrong, everything seems to go wrong. It emphasizes how troubles can snowball quickly.
A stitch in time saves nine is used to suggest that addressing a problem early on can prevent bigger issues later. It encourages proactive action and highlights the value of resolving minor problems before they escalate.
Take the bull by the horns means to deal with a difficult or challenging situation head-on, with confidence and direct action. It suggests bravery and initiative in handling life’s obstacles.
Nourishment for the Soul: Food for Thought
Too many cooks spoil the broth
- Too many people involved can create confusion or mistakes
- With everyone giving their opinion, too many cooks spoiled the broth, and the project ended up a mess.
Bite off more than you can chew
- To take on more responsibility than you can handle
- Jim bit off more than he could chew by agreeing to organize the entire event by himself.
Take it with a grain of salt
- To view something with skepticism or doubt
- When he told me his side of the story, I took it with a grain of salt, knowing he might be exaggerating.
Too many cooks spoil the broth means that when too many people are involved in making decisions or managing a project, it can result in confusion or poor results. It suggests that sometimes fewer voices lead to better outcomes.
Bite off more than you can chew refers to taking on more work or responsibility than one can handle. It warns against over-committing and highlights the stress of having too much on one’s plate.
Take it with a grain of salt means to approach something with skepticism or doubt. It suggests not fully believing or accepting something at face value, especially when the information seems questionable or exaggerated.
6 - Cliché Practice Exercises
to be added shortly
PART 1
Exercise 1: Matching Game Match
Match each cliché to its correct meaning by writing the correct letter next to each number.
- Don’t cry over spilled milk
- Every cloud has a silver lining
- Time heals all wounds
- The early bird catches the worm
- It’s not rocket science
- Actions speak louder than words
- When in Rome, do as the Romans do
Meanings:
A. You should follow local customs
B. It’s not very difficult
C. Even bad situations may have a good side
D. Don’t worry about things that have already happened
E. Doing something is more important than just talking about it
F. Time helps us recover from sadness or hurt
G. If you act early, you have an advantage
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank
Use the correct cliché from the list below to complete each sentence.
hit the nail on the head, let the cat out of the bag, at the end of the day, bite the bullet, easier said than done, break the ice, a blessing in disguise,
- Maria was nervous before the meeting, so she told a joke to __________.
- We need to decide now — __________, we can’t please everyone.
- John didn’t mean to tell you, he just __________.
- I know you’re scared of the dentist, but you have to __________.
- Sarah’s comment really __________ — she described the problem perfectly.
- Losing that job was tough, but it turned out to be __________.
- I know I said I’d quit sugar, but it’s __________.
Exercise 3: Complete the Sentence
Use your own words to finish these cliché-filled sentences in a way that makes sense.
- Better late than __________
- The grass is always greener __________
- Don’t judge a book __________
- If it ain’t broke, __________
- What goes around __________
- You can’t have your cake __________
- Rome wasn’t built __________
Advanced Bonus Exercise
Read the sentences below. Write the cliché in each sentence and briefly explain what it means.
- I tried to warn him, but you can lead a horse to water, not make it drink.
- It’s always darkest before the dawn, so stay hopeful.
- He always plays devil’s advocate in meetings.
- She was over the moon when she got the news.
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
- The company is skating on thin ice with those decisions.
- I’m burning the midnight oil to finish this report.
PART 2
In this section we have simple and advanced multiple choice questions.
Simple Multiple Choice Exercise
1 – “Don’t judge a book by its cover” means:
A. Always read a book before buying it
B. People’s appearances don’t show their true character
C. Books should look good
D. Only read well-designed books
2- “It takes two to tango” means:
A. Dancing requires rhythm
B. You can’t dance without music
C. Two people are usually responsible in a situation
D. Always dance with a partner
3 – “Kill two birds with one stone” means:
A. Save time by doing two things at once
B. Be cruel to animals
C. Go hunting
D. Do one thing very well
4 – “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you” means:
A. Don’t eat without permission
B. Be nice to those who help you
C. Avoid biting people
D. Feed yourself
5 -“A leopard can’t change its spots” means:
A. Animals don’t change
B. People can change if they try
C. People’s true nature doesn’t change easily
D. Leopards are always the same color
6 – “Hit the sack” means:
A. Punch a pillow
B. Go to bed
C. Hit something
D. Relax outside
7 – “Speak of the devil” means:
A. Someone just mentioned shows up
B. Evil is nearby
C. Don’t talk about bad people
D. Avoid gossip
Advanced Multiple Choice Exercise
1 – “Throw someone under the bus” means:
A. Help them escape a situation
B. Blame them to protect yourself
C. Physically push them
D. Offer them a ride
2 – “The ball is in your court” means:
A. The decision is up to you
B. You’re playing a sport
C. Someone is waiting for your response
D. You’ve won a match
3 – “Add fuel to the fire” means:
A. Help keep the fire burning
B. Make a situation worse
C. Fix a bad problem
D. Solve an issue
4 – “Barking up the wrong tree” means:
A. Mistakenly accusing someone
B. Talking to a dog
C. Looking for something in the wrong place
D. Climbing a tree
5 – “Caught between a rock and a hard place” means:
A. Trapped in a small space
B. In a difficult situation with no easy option
C. Choosing between two good options
D. Lost while hiking
6 – “Burn your bridges” means:
A. Leave on bad terms
B. Set things on fire
C. Be brave
D. Help others
7 – “Let sleeping dogs lie” means:
A. Don’t disturb a dog
B. Avoid restarting old arguments
C. Wake people gently
D. Keep calm
8 – “Off the beaten path” means:
A. Get lost
B. Go somewhere new or unusual
C. Follow the road
D. Walk with caution
9 – “Shoot yourself in the foot” means:
A. Make a mistake that harms yourself
B. Hurt someone else
C. Use a gun improperly
D. Be clever
10 – “The elephant in the room” means:
A. A large animal is nearby
B. Something obvious that people ignore
C. An awkward decoration
D. A big surprise
7 - Simile Q & A
Are clichés harmful in communication?
While clichés can provide familiarity, overusing them can make communication feel vague or uninspired. They often lack originality and can cause the speaker or writer to sound uncreative or even lazy.
How can I avoid using clichés in my writing?
To avoid clichés, focus on being more specific and original in your language. Instead of relying on common phrases, try to create fresh examples that reflect your personal thoughts and ideas. Consider the context and the message you want to convey, and aim for precision rather than predictability.
Can clichés ever be effective?
Yes, clichés can be effective when used sparingly and in the right context. They are often recognized and relatable, which makes them ideal for situations that require familiarity, such as humor or common sayings. However, excessive use can lead to a loss of impact.
What is a synonym for a cliché?
Synonyms for cliché include terms like “stock phrase,” “overused expression,” “hackneyed phrase,” and “commonplace saying.” These all refer to words or phrases that have lost their impact because they are used too often.
Should a writer avoid using clichés?
Writers should strive to avoid clichés whenever possible, as they can weaken the impact of their writing. However, if used strategically, such as for comedic effect or to highlight a universally understood idea, they can still serve a purpose. The key is moderation.
What is an example of a cliché?
An example of a cliché is “love conquers all,” which is often used to suggest that love can overcome any obstacle. While it’s a familiar phrase, its overuse can make it sound shallow or predictable.
What defines being cliché?
Being cliché means using phrases, ideas, or expressions that have been overused to the point that they no longer seem fresh or original. These expressions become predictable and lose their meaning or effectiveness due to their frequent repetition.
What is a typical cliché?
A typical cliché might be phrases like “time heals all wounds,” “everything happens for a reason,” or “it’s always darkest before the dawn.” These are expressions that have become so widely used that they are now seen as lacking in originality.
What is a cliché in love?
In love, clichés include expressions like “you complete me” or “my heart belongs to you.” These are predictable phrases used to express love, but they can feel hollow and repetitive because they’ve been used so often in romantic contexts.
Useful Information
Clichés are predictable, overused words or phrases that have lost their original meaning due to frequent repetition. These expressions often become meaningless or highly reductive, reducing the impact of communication. In literature and speech, clichés serve as shortcuts, allowing writers and speakers to convey familiar ideas quickly. However, when overused, they can create a sense of laziness or lack of originality.
The phenomenon of clichés can be traced back to the concept of stereotyping. Just as stereotypes reduce people to simplified and often inaccurate representations, clichés tend to reduce complex ideas to generic and highly predictable phrases. These stock phrases may sound familiar and comforting, but they often lack depth or fresh perspective.
Writers and speakers who rely on clichés may risk losing their audience’s interest. Instead of engaging in critical thinking and offering new, insightful commentary, they may default to familiar definitive-sounding phrases that provide no real intellectual stimulation. A cliché and stereotype can also be a form of stereotyping, offering a depiction that oversimplifies an idea or feeling.
One of the reasons clichés persist is that they are often borrowed from popular culture, literature, or past generations. These expressions are widespread, passed down through books, movies, and social interactions, and often become so ingrained in language that they are no longer questioned. As such, clichés can become part of a larger narrative that popularizes certain ideas.
However, clichés can also be used deliberately for comedic effect or to highlight shared human experiences. Writers and communicators sometimes use clichés to evoke specific emotions or to quickly build a connection with the audience. In such cases, they subvert the predictable nature of the expression by giving it a new twist, making it more relatable and entertaining.
For writers, it’s crucial to be mindful of clichés to avoid falling into the trap of dull or meaningless language. Instead, strive to create more specific and expressive content that avoids common phrases. By focusing on fresh language and original expression, writers can ensure that their work resonates with readers and maintains its impact. When used thoughtfully, clichés can still serve their purpose, but it’s important not to let them dominate the message.
In summary, clichés can be both helpful and harmful depending on their use. Writers who aim to subvert the typical conventions of clichés and introduce new vocabulary are more likely to captivate their audience. Understanding when and how to avoid or use clichés is key to developing strong and engaging communication skills.
Answers
Exercise 1
- D
- C
- F
- G
- B
- E
- A
Exercise 2
- break the ice
- at the end of the day
- let the cat out of the bag
- bite the bullet
- hit the nail on the head
- a blessing in disguise
- easier said than done
Exercise 3 (Possible answers)
- never
- on the other side
- by its cover
- don’t fix it
- comes around
- and eat it too
- in a day
Advanced Bonus Exercise
- you can lead a horse to water – You can offer help but can’t force someone to take it.
- it’s always darkest before the dawn – Things may seem bad now, but they will improve.
- plays devil’s advocate – Purposely argues the opposite to test ideas.
- over the moon – Extremely happy.
- don’t put all your eggs in one basket – Don’t risk everything on one plan.
- skating on thin ice – In a risky or dangerous situation.
- burning the midnight oil – Working late into the night.
Simple Multiple Choice Exercise
- B
- C
- A
- B
- C
- B
- A
Advanced Multiple Choice Exercise
- B
- A
- B
- A
- B
- A
- B
- B
- A
- B
If you want to see other types of expression visit our dedicated page: Types of English Expressions
