cliché

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A trite or overused expression or idea: "cliché" refers to a phrase, opinion, or concept that has been used so frequently that it has lost its original freshness, impact, or meaning.
   • A stereotypical or predictable element: In art, literature, or culture, "cliché" can denote a common, unoriginal element (e.g., a plot twist, character type, or visual motif).

Usage Examples

• (A trite, overused saying.)
• (A predictable, unoriginal plot element.)
• (Overused expressions that weaken originality.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a cliché": to be an overused or unoriginal thing.
  • His speech was full of clichés about teamwork and success. (His speech contained many trite phrases.)
• "cliché-ridden": full of clichés; lacking originality.
  • The novel was cliché-ridden and predictable. (The novel was filled with overused ideas.)

Variants and Related Words

• Clichéd (adj): characterized by clichés; lacking originality.
  • The dialogue in the movie was clichéd and uninspired. (The dialogue was trite and unoriginal.)
• Cliche (alternate spelling): a less common variant, often used in informal contexts, but "cliché" is standard.

Synonyms

• Truism: a statement that is obviously true and often overused.
• Commonplace: a remark or idea that is ordinary or unoriginal.
• Stereotype: a fixed, oversimplified idea or image.

Related Idioms

• "a cliché of the worst kind": an extremely overused or trite expression or idea.
  • The ending was a cliché of the worst kind — the hero dies and comes back to life. (The ending was predictably unoriginal.)
• "to fall back on clichés": to use trite expressions because of lack of creativity.
  • When asked for his opinion, he fell back on clichés about hard work. (He resorted to overused phrases.)