Clichés
Learning Goal: In today's lesson you will learn what a cliché is and why they should be avoided in formal pieces of writing.
What Is a Cliché? A cliché can be two things.
One: It can be an overused expression; something that is said a lot that has become some common, it no longer really has any relevance or is even noticed in conversation. Phrases such as “to this day” or “next thing I knew” are examples of such a cliché, and you often say these phrases without noticing you are doing so.
Two: A cliché can also refer to an idea that has come to have special meaning different form its literal meaning. For example, the phrases “sweaty palms” or “twinkling eyes” have come to mean more than the fact that your palms are just sweaty or that your eye's have a twinkle. When you say someone has sweaty palms, everyone knows you mean "he is nervous" because the expression has become a cliché.
Cliches should be avoided in formal writing.
10 Popular Cliches
The writing on the wall = something that is about to happen, something that is obvious
Example:Can't you see the writing on the wall! You need to get out of that business.
To pull an all-nighter = to study or work all night
Example:We had to pull an all-nighter to get the work finished on time.
Pearls of wisdom = wise words or advice
Example: I'm not really interested in his pearls of wisdom. He lived in a different period.
Too much of a good thing = generally used when saying that's impossible to be too happy, or lucky
Example: Enjoy it! You can't have too much of a good thing.
Fit as a fiddle = to be ready and able
Example: I'm fit as a fiddle. Let's do this thing!
Curiosity killed the cat = Don't be too inquisitive, it can be dangerous!
Example:Remember curiosity killed the cat. You should just forget about it.
Don't do as I do, do as I say. = Used when someone points out that you are being hypocritical (doing one thing while insisting that others that thing differently)
Example: Stop talking back! Don't do as I do, do as I say!
Let sleeping dogs lie = don't look into (investigate) something that was troublesome in the past, but in which people are not currently interested
Example: I'd let sleeping dogs lie and not re-open the investigation into the crime.
A cat has nine lives = someone might be having problems now, but there are many chances to do well or succeed
Example: His career reminds that a cat has nine lives!
Moment of truth = the moment in which something important will be shown or decided
Example: It's the moment of truth. Either we'll get the contract or we won't.
Good writing uses original similes and metaphors; not clichés.
One: It can be an overused expression; something that is said a lot that has become some common, it no longer really has any relevance or is even noticed in conversation. Phrases such as “to this day” or “next thing I knew” are examples of such a cliché, and you often say these phrases without noticing you are doing so.
Two: A cliché can also refer to an idea that has come to have special meaning different form its literal meaning. For example, the phrases “sweaty palms” or “twinkling eyes” have come to mean more than the fact that your palms are just sweaty or that your eye's have a twinkle. When you say someone has sweaty palms, everyone knows you mean "he is nervous" because the expression has become a cliché.
Cliches should be avoided in formal writing.
10 Popular Cliches
The writing on the wall = something that is about to happen, something that is obvious
Example:Can't you see the writing on the wall! You need to get out of that business.
To pull an all-nighter = to study or work all night
Example:We had to pull an all-nighter to get the work finished on time.
Pearls of wisdom = wise words or advice
Example: I'm not really interested in his pearls of wisdom. He lived in a different period.
Too much of a good thing = generally used when saying that's impossible to be too happy, or lucky
Example: Enjoy it! You can't have too much of a good thing.
Fit as a fiddle = to be ready and able
Example: I'm fit as a fiddle. Let's do this thing!
Curiosity killed the cat = Don't be too inquisitive, it can be dangerous!
Example:Remember curiosity killed the cat. You should just forget about it.
Don't do as I do, do as I say. = Used when someone points out that you are being hypocritical (doing one thing while insisting that others that thing differently)
Example: Stop talking back! Don't do as I do, do as I say!
Let sleeping dogs lie = don't look into (investigate) something that was troublesome in the past, but in which people are not currently interested
Example: I'd let sleeping dogs lie and not re-open the investigation into the crime.
A cat has nine lives = someone might be having problems now, but there are many chances to do well or succeed
Example: His career reminds that a cat has nine lives!
Moment of truth = the moment in which something important will be shown or decided
Example: It's the moment of truth. Either we'll get the contract or we won't.
Good writing uses original similes and metaphors; not clichés.