Clichs

Diana L. Portillo

Clich: a sound

The French used the word to describe the sound that a matrix, or a mold with letters on it, made when it was being dropped into molten metal to make a printing plate.

Clich: a printing plate

The French word clich is the name of an implement that printed the same image over and over again.

Clichs

Figures of speech that are very dull, weary, and worn out from too much usage.

Clichs are overused expressions.

The first person to use them as similes was being original and inventive.

When these phrases were used them over and over they became worn out.

A clich is a lazy writers tool because it demands little thought.

Clichs must be avoided by the writer who wants to be effective.

Dont use that same old phrase again!!!!

Examples

Quick as a wink.

Sharp as a tack.

Strong as an ox.

Clichs that describe time

In a jiffy (Something will happen soon). In the nick of time (Something happened just in time).

Clichs that describe people

Fit as a fiddle (Someone in great shape). As old as the hills (Someone very old).

Clichs about life, love and emotions

I love you more than life itself. Frightened to death.

Glossary
Dull: boring. Weary: making you feel tired or bored. Worn out: badly damaged and/or no longer useful because it has been used a lot.

References:

Elliot, R. (2006). Painless grammar. Hauppauge, U.S.A.: Barrons Educational Series. Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dicti onary Retrieved on May 5th, 2013. Sohn, D. (1990). Writing by doing. Chicago, U.S.A.: National Textbook Company. Your Dictionary: Examples of clichs http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examplesof-cliches.html Retrieved on May 5th, 2013.