cliche

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cliche" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an overused phrase or idea. For example, "His response to her suggestion was a cliche: 'that's the way the cookie crumbles.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It may be a cliche, but if something seems to be too good to be true, it usually is".

The Guardian - Money

The cliche that when America sneezes, the world catches a cold is not as true as it once was; but the US remains the world's largest economy, and a huge market for consumer goods.

The Guardian - Business

Jenkins, in the face of falling profits, abandoned his "pay for performance" mantra and instead spouted feeble lines about the risk of a "death spiral"– a tired old cliche, as Robert Pickering, successful former boss of Cazenove, said this week.

The Guardian - Business

The end of a quest that began in boyhood to play professional football came on 13 August in a bow worthy of the dream-debut cliche, as Lawrence scored in a 4-0 win at SK Strazske in the second round of the cup.

The Guardian - Sport

Georges Seurat – Bathers at Asnières, 1884 It is a cliche to think Seurat is just a painter of pointillist dots.

The Guardian - Arts

At first, I couldn't get a sense of her beyond the soccer mom cliche.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Horrid cliche, hence perfect for David Cameron and the SNP – be careful what you wish for.

The Guardian

Despite the showbusiness cliche of never working with children or animals, there is a long history of politicians risking everything to be photographed with beastly creatures.

The Guardian

I avoid red-trousered Bullingdon boys, but I slide into a metropolitan liberal cliche that matches where I live, what I do, who my friends are, the kind of dog I long to own.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pepe Billete is just so wrong in so many ways, but the crude and rude Hialeah puppet that lampoons every outsized dinosaur cliche of the #305 has a huge following.

The Guardian

I was in Milan, alone, for work, with time to kill, so I bowed to tourist cliche and went to see the Last Supper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, avoid using "cliches" to maintain originality and freshness in your language. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to create a stronger impact on your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "cliches" as a crutch for expressing ideas. Instead, strive for unique and original language that reflects your individual voice and perspective.

Linguistic Context

The word "cliche" primarily functions as a noun, referring to an overused phrase or idea. As Ludwig AI shows, it can also function as a verb, though this is less common. Examples illustrate its use in describing language or concepts that lack originality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

15%

Arts

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cliche" refers to an overused expression or idea that has lost its originality and impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Lifestyle. While "cliches" can sometimes be used intentionally for effect, it's generally best to avoid them in favor of more specific and original language. Recognizing common "cliches" and striving for fresh expression will enhance your writing and make your message more impactful. Consider alternatives like "overused expression" or "trite remark" to convey similar meanings with different words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overused expression

This alternative directly highlights the overuse aspect of a cliche.

worn-out phrase

This phrase emphasizes the staleness and lack of originality associated with cliches.

banal statement

Focuses on the lack of depth and originality in the expression.

trite remark

Highlights the commonplace and uninspired nature of the statement.

hackneyed saying

Emphasizes the phrase's overuse and lack of freshness.

platitude

This single word captures the essence of a trite and meaningless statement often associated with cliches.

stock phrase

Indicates that the phrase is readily available and used without much thought.

commonplace expression

Highlights the widespread use and lack of uniqueness of the phrase.

predictable statement

Focuses on the lack of surprise or originality in the remark.

unoriginal idea

Shifts the focus from the phrase itself to the lack of novelty in the underlying concept.

FAQs

How can I recognize a "cliche" in writing?

A "cliche" is an overused phrase or idea that has lost its original impact. If a saying feels predictable or unoriginal, it's likely a "cliche".

What are some common examples of "cliches"?

Examples include phrases like "thinking outside the box", "at the end of the day", and "actions speak louder than words". Recognizing these "overused expressions" helps avoid them.

How to avoid using "cliches" in my writing?

To avoid "cliches", try to express your ideas in a new and unique way. Consider using specific examples or vivid descriptions instead of relying on "worn-out phrases".

Is it ever acceptable to use a "cliche"?

While generally discouraged, "cliches" can be used intentionally for comedic effect or to create a specific tone. However, use them sparingly and with awareness to avoid sounding "trite".