Cliché

A cliché, in English, is a phrase, idea or concept which is used too much. Originally, the word meant (in French) a stereotype plate, which is a term in printing.

The drawing of a illuminated lightbulb (particularly above a person's head) became a clichéd visual cue to evoke creativity or having a idea

A cliché is a stock concept used again and again. It has "lost its freshness and vigour through overuse, and suggests insincerity, lack of thought or laziness on the part of the writer".

Examples

Some examples of clichéd expressions:

• eureka
• leave no stone unturned
• none the worse for wear
• explore every avenue
• food for thought
• dead as a doornail
• avoid like the plague
• the name of the game
• the bottom line
• there's no smoke without fire
• from time immemorial

Style guides advise writers to avoid clichés.