Popular Cliches - Cliches Explained Cliche definition: A cliche is a common phrase that has been overused.

In general, cliches are to be avoided. In reality, they are not avoided - that s !hy they are cliches" #nderstanding popular cliches is especially important for English learners because they provide a deeper understanding of set phrases - or chun$s of language. %hese chun$s of language $no!n as cliches are found every!here: in letters, in films, in articles, in conversation. A good rule of thumb for English learners is to understand a variety of popular cliches, but not necessarily use them actively. &any times the use of a cliche signals fluency, but often cliches are considered inappropriate or unoriginal. 'n the other hand, if English learners use cliches it s '(, because they are only )oining all the native spea$ers !ho already use the cliche too fre*uently" +hat s the ,ifference -et!een an Idiom and a Cliche. An idiom is a phrase that means something else than the literal !ords. Idioms al!ays have figurative, not literal meanings. /ere are some examples: to get under someone s s$in 0to bother someone1 - 2he s getting under my s$in these days" no spring chic$en 0not young1 - %om s no spring chic$en. /e s almost 34" A cliche is a phase !hich is considered overused 0used too often1 !hich can be literal or figurative in meaning. /ere are some examples: the good old days 0literal 5 in the past !hen things !ere better1 - I remember my years at college. 6es, those !ere the good old days. tip of the iceberg 0figurative 5 only the beginning, or )ust a small percentage1 - %he problems !e are seeing 74 Popular Cliches %he !riting on the !all 5 something that is about to happen, something that is obvious Example: Can t you see the !riting on the !all" 6ou need to get out of that business. %o pull an all-nighter 5 to study or !or$ all night Example: +e had to pull an all-nighter to get the !or$ finished on time. Pearls of !isdom 5 !ise !ords or advice Example:

I m not really interested in his pearls of !isdom. /e lived in a different period. %oo much of a good thing 5 generally used !hen saying that s impossible to be too happy, or luc$y Example: En)oy it" 6ou can t have too much of a good thing. 8it as a fiddle 5 to be ready and able Example: I m fit as a fiddle. 9et s do this thing" Curiosity $illed the cat 5 ,on t be too in*uisitive, it can be dangerous" Example: :emember curiosity $illed the cat. 6ou should )ust forget about it. ,on t do as I do, do as I say. 5 #sed !hen someone points out that you are being hypocritical 0doing one thing !hile insisting that others that thing differently1 Example: 2top tal$ing bac$" ,on t do as I do, do as I say" 9et sleeping dogs lie 5 don t loo$ into 0investigate1 something that !as troublesome in the past, but in !hich people are not currently interested Example: I d let sleeping dogs lie and not re-open the investigation into the crime. A cat has nine lives 5 someone might be having problems no!, but there are many chances to do !ell or succeed Example: /is career reminds that a cat has nine lives" &oment of truth 5 the moment in !hich something important !ill be sho!n or decided Example: It s the moment of truth. Either !e ll get the contract or !e !on t.