Clichés

What Are Clichés? (with Examples)

A cliché is an overused and worn-out expression used to convey a popular thought or idea.

Examples of Clichés

  • The ball is in your court.
  • Think outside the box.
  • As useful as a lead balloon.
  • Every cloud has a silver lining.
  • Types of Clichés

    There are various types of clichés. For example:

    Proverbs.
    A proverb is a short, well-known saying which states a general truth or a piece of advice. For example: Idioms.
    An idiom is commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its word. For example: Catchphrases.
    A catchphrase is a well-known term, especially one that is associated with a particular famous person. For example: Similes.
    A simile is a figure of speech which compares one thing with another to create an analogy. For example: Metaphors.
    A metaphor is a figure of speech which states one thing is another to create an analogy. For example:

    Overused and Worn-out Expressions

    Remember, a cliché is a worn-out expression. It is one that has lost its effectiveness through over-usage. Not all proverbs, idioms, catchphrases, similes, and metaphors are clichés.

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    See Also

    What is an idiom? What is a simile? What is an analogy? What is a metaphor? Glossary of grammatical terms