Cliché Definition

Cliché

Cliché Definition
Cliché refers to an expression that has been overused to the extent that it loses its original meaning or novelty. A cliché may also refer to actions and events which are predictable because of some previous events.

All examples of Cliché are expressions that were once new and fresh. They won popularity in public and hence have been used so extensively that such expressions now sound boring and at times irritable due to the fact that they have lost their original color. For instance, the phrase “as red as a rose” must have been a fresh and innovative expression at some point in time but today it is considered universally as a cliché and does not sound good to be used in everyday formal writing.

Expressions that are not Clichés
It is important to keep in mind that constant reuse of expressions does not necessarily create a cliché. Typical expressions that are used almost at all times in formal ceremonies, festivals, courts etc. are not considered cliché examples; rather they befit such occasions and are regarded as more appropriate:

“I second the motion” (Courts)
“I now pronounce you man and wife” (Wedding Ceremony)
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” (Oath taking ceremony)
“Happy Birthday!”
Similarly, certain epithets like “reverend” and “father” are attached to the names of church officials. Besides, people of the royal family are addressed with epithets “Your Grace”, “Your Highness” or “Your Royal Highness”. Such expressions are part of etiquette and do not fall under the category of clichés.

Common Cliché Examples
Example #1
In describing time, the following expressions have turned into cliché

in the nick of time – to happen just in time
only time will tell – to become clear over time
a matter of time – to happen sooner or later
at the speed of light – to do something very quickly
lasted an eternity – to last for a very long time
lost track of time – to stop paying attention to time
Example #2
In describing people, these expressions have turned into cliché

as brave as a lion – a cliché to describe a very brave person
as clever as a fox – a cliché to describe a very clever person
as old as the hills – a cliché to describe an old person
a diamond in the rough – a cliché to describe someone with a brilliant future
fit as a fiddle – a cliché to describe a person in a good shape
as meek as a lamb – a cliché to describe a person who is too weak and humble

Example #3
In describing various sentiments, a number of expressions have turned into cliché e.g.

frightened to death – to be too frightened
scared out of one’s wits – to be too frightened
all is fair in love and war – to go to any extent to claim somebody’s love
all is well that ends well – a happy ending reduces the severity of problems that come in the way
every cloud has a silver lining – problems also have something good in them
the writing on the wall – something clear and already understood
time heals all wounds – pain and miseries get will with the passage of time
haste makes waste – people make mistakes in a rush
Example #4
Below is a list of some more common clichés:

They all lived happily ever after.
Read between the lines
Fall head over heals
Waking up on the wrong side of the bed
The quiet before the storm
Between the devil and the deep blue sea
Function of Cliché
Anton C. Zijderveld, a Dutch sociologist, throws light on the function of a cliché in the following extract taken from his treatise “On Clichés”:

A cliché is a traditional form of human expression (in words, thoughts, emotions, gestures, acts) which–due to repetitive use in social life–has lost its original, often ingenious heuristic power. Although it thus fails positively to contribute meaning to social interactions and communication, it does function socially, since it manages to stimulate behavior (cognition, emotion, volition, action), while it avoids reflection on meanings.
================================