Cliches

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 3

Clichés' are commonly used or overused expressions in the English language.

Cliche a worm-out
expression used to convey a popular thought or idea. You'll often hear them in both American and
Bitish English. Although by definition a clichés is overused and therefore are trite, many journalists
and writers use clichés as a shortcut to convey their meaning to their readers. Clichés rely on figurative
language. In the beginning, such expression is a fresh way of saying something.
Using idioms or clichés in your written or spoken English can demonstrate your understanding of
the language and help you sound like a native-speaker. The first is: 'what goes around comes around'.
Commonly used in British English, this expression means that a person's actions, whether good or bad.
will often have consequences for them.
Another example is: 'to avoid like the plague'. The 'plague' is adisease that can become adeadly
epidemic. Therefore, if we say that you should 'avoid something like the plague', it means to stay far
away from it.
"And the list goes on" is an interesting cliché. People tend to use it in speech when they are giving
a number of examples. For instance, one is talking about the beneits of studying abroad, ike making
new friends, leaming anew language, geting to know another culture and 'the list goes on. It's another
way to say 'etcetera'.

9.6.1 Types of Clichés


There are various types of Clichés. For example:
1. Proverbs
A proverb is a short, well-known saying which states a general truth or a piece of advice. For example:
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A leopard cannot change its spots.
2. Idioms
An idiom is commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its word.
For example:
Iam over the moon.
You have a sword of Damocles hanging over you.
I'ltake any port in a storm.
3. Catchphrases
A catchphrase is a well-known term, especially one that is associated with a particular famous person
or brand. For example:
"Think different." (Apple)
"Yabba dabba doo!" (Fred Flintstone)
"You're fired!" (Donald Trump or Alan Sugar from "The Apprentice')
"Just do it!"(NIKE)
4. Similes
A simile is a figure of speech which compares one thing with another to create an analogy. Use of "like
or 'as' in sentences is inevitable. For example,
This is about as much use as a chocolate teapot.
He drinks like a fish.
Her cheeks are pink like a flower.
9.6.2 Common Cliché Sayings
All that glitters isn't gold
Don't get your knickers in a twist
Allfor one, and one for all
Kiss and make up
He has his tail between his legs
And they all lived happily ever after
Cat got your tongue?
Read between the lines
Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed
We're not laughing at you, we're laughing with you.
9.6.3 Clichés that Describe Time
Only time will tell
In the nick of timne
Lost track of time
Lasted an eternity
Just a matter of time
A waste of time
Rushed for time
In a jiffy
The time of my life
At the speed of light
9.6.4 Clichés that Describe People
As old as the hills
Fit as a fiddle
Without a care in the world
A diamond in the rough
Brave as a lion
Weak as a kitten
Had nerves of steel
Ugly as sin

9.6.5 Clichés that Describe Life, Love and Positivity


Opposiles attract
Every cloud has a silver lining
Don't cry over spill milk
The calm before the storm
Laughter is the best medicine
Love you more than life itself
" Scared out of my wits
" Frightened to death
All is fair in love and war
All's well that ends well
" Haste makes waste
" The writing's on the wall
" Time heals all wounds
What goes around comes around
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade
Head over heels in love
Gut-wrenching pain
Heart-stopping fear
9.6.6 Examples of More Clichés
1. Take the bull by the horns: To "take the bull by the horns" is to tackle a probiem heal-n. in
a direct and confident manner. Here's an cxample of this phrase being uscd:
"It's time to take the bull by the horns and hand in your notice."
2. Avoid like the plague: Another expression still with us is "avoid like the plague". This devrihe
something that should be avoided at all costs, like:
"Avoid that area of Delhi like the plague."
3. Every cloud has a silver lining: This phrase means that the cloud (sadness or obstacle) may
block out the sun (happiness), but its hidden silver lining will see some good coming vut ol t
Here's an example of this phrase being used:
"Even though he had lost the match, he had gained in experience and was now more confident.
Yes, every cloud has a silver lining."
4, Fit as a fiddle: The cliché "fit as a liddle" is used to describe someone who is in a anang stte
of health. Here's an example of this phrase being used:
Ifelt as fit as a fiddle afler my morning walk.
5. At the end of the day: I means "when everylhing has heen planned", nd l'y sully ucd to
precede what onc considers to be the crUx of the malter. An eXanple night be as lollows
"At the end of the day, it's not up to me. Il's entirely your decision"

You might also like