The dictionary defines a Cliché as ‘a once striking and effective phrase or combination of words which has become stale and hackneyed through overuse.’
The main accusation against the cliché seems to be repetition.
But a phrase that is overused need not by definition be treated as a cliché. After all, repetition only goes to prove the usefulness of that particular phrase or combination!
Even an indisputable cliché may sometimes be appropriate. Its very familiarity and forthrightness might be just what is needed. Harold Evans in Newsman’s English says, “It is impossible to ban them because they serve a natural inclination. At best they are a form of literary shorthand…”
Here are some acceptable idioms that are not Clichés:
ü Tongue in cheek
ü To wash your hands of something
ü A man of straw
ü A house of cards (implying instability or flimsiness)
ü To get down to brass tacks
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