Definitions:
- Clichés are overused expressions. They have been used so many times that they no longer convey the meaning or emotion they once did. Examples of clichés include:
“Love is forever.”
“He’s worth his weight in gold.”
“Now you’re using your head!” - Idioms are figurative expressions that, like clichés, are often overused by lazy writers. However, idioms typically have no literal meaning. Examples of idioms include:
“He bit off more than he could chew.”
“He’s really in a pickle.”
“You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.”
Test Yourself:
Which sentence in the following paragraph is a cliché or idiom?
When I go to a restaurant, I get so excited. There are so many good things on the menu. I always order way too much. My eyes are bigger than my stomach! Afterwards, I end up taking food home for lunch the next day.
- a. When I go to a restaurant, I get so excited.
- b. There are so many good things on the menu.
- c. My eyes are bigger than my stomach!
- d. Afterwards, I end up taking food home for lunch the next day.
