A cliché refers to an idea, phrase, or element that has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or impact. Clichés are typically seen as predictable, stale, or lacking in originality because they have been repeated too many times. They often arise from attempts to simplify complex ideas or emotions, but in doing so, they tend to become so common that they no longer provide fresh or meaningful insight. In writing, conversation, and media, clichés can make communication feel formulaic or uninspired. The Indonesian equivalent of cliché would be klise, which carries the same meaning of something overused and lacking novelty.
Synonyms:
- Platitude
- Bromide
- Truism
- Stereotype
- Banality
- Commonplace
- Overused expression
- Tired phrase
- Adage
- Maxim
- Hackneyed phrase
- Stock phrase
- Old chestnut
- Repetition
- Jargon
Sentences Using “Cliché”:
- The movie was filled with clichés, from the predictable love story to the hero’s inevitable victory.
- His speech sounded like a string of clichés, offering no new perspective on the issue.
- Saying “everything happens for a reason” may be comforting, but it’s a tired cliché that doesn’t always help.
- The romance novel was full of clichés, from the brooding hero to the damsel in distress.
- I’m tired of hearing the cliché that “money can’t buy happiness”—it doesn’t solve any real problems.
- The politician’s speech was filled with empty clichés that didn’t address the real concerns of the voters.
- It’s a cliché, but “time heals all wounds” may still hold some truth after a while.
- Her response to the problem was nothing more than a cliché about hard work and perseverance.
- The movie tried to add a new twist to the genre, but ultimately, it fell back on familiar clichés.
- While “follow your dreams” may be a cliché, it can still serve as a source of motivation for many people.
Related Words:
- Platitude
- Bromide
- Truism
- Stereotype
- Banality
- Commonplace
- Overused expression
- Tired phrase
- Adage
- Maxim
- Hackneyed phrase
- Stock phrase
- Old chestnut
- Repetition
- Jargon
Phrasal Verbs Related to “Cliché”:
- Fall into a pattern (to begin using the same clichés repeatedly)
- Resort to (to rely on a cliché when original thought is lacking)
- Lean on (to use a cliché as a fallback in conversation or writing)
- Give in to (to start using clichés instead of finding creative solutions or expressions)
- Rely on (to depend on a cliché when simpler or more familiar language is easier)
- Break out of (to stop using clichés and start thinking or speaking more creatively)
- Repeat ad nauseam (to say the same thing over and over, often using clichés)
- Fall back on (to resort to clichés in moments of uncertainty or lack of inspiration)
- Play it safe (to use clichés rather than taking risks with new or original ideas)
- Run out of ideas (to rely on clichés when you’re out of creative options)
Idiomatic Expressions Related to “Cliché”:
- Old chestnut (an expression or idea that has been repeated many times and has become stale or predictable)
- Beating a dead horse (to keep bringing up the same old, tired ideas or clichés)
- A broken record (to repeat the same thing over and over, often using cliché phrases)
- By the book (to do something in a very conventional or clichéd manner)
- Say the same old thing (to use tired and unoriginal language or ideas)
- Paint by numbers (to follow a predictable or clichéd path, lacking originality)
- Rehash old ideas (to bring up old, well-worn concepts or clichés)
- Throw out the usual lines (to say things that are clichéd or commonly used)
- Go with the flow (to follow predictable, cliché behavior rather than thinking creatively)
- Play it safe (to use familiar, cliché ideas rather than trying something new or bold)
- Like a broken record (repeating something so often that it becomes boring or a cliché)
