Down With Clichés
If you want your writing to be fresh and interesting, you should avoid using clichés. Try rephrasing your text to make it original. A cliché is a word or phrase that has been overused in writing – i.e. “leave no stone unturned.” Text full of clichés makes the writer appear lazy and uncreative and will, for many readers, deem the writing insignificant. The following list highlights some common clichés. Note, that clichés are often different in different cultures and in different environments.
- In a nutshell.
- At long last.
- Going forward.
- All walks of life.
- At the end of the day.
- Bring it to the table.
- I’m giving it 110%.
- Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
- As bold as brass.
- Uphill battle.
- If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
- Too little, too late.
- Sleeping like the dead.
- Actions speak louder than words.
- Two wrongs don’t make a right.
- Never say never.
- Laughter is the best medicine.
- People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
When tempted to use a cliché, dig a bit deeper, and use your own words.
Enjoy!
Jasmyne