How cliches harm your writing and why originality and creativity matter

If you’re struggling with your writing, it can be enticing to lean on clichés because they are easy to understand by most people – and may seem like a good idea at first. However, they often detract from your writing and hinder the influence of what you’re trying to express.

So what is a cliché?

Clichés are phrases that have been overly used in writing and speech and often lack originality or have lost their depth of meaning. Using clichés can be detrimental to the quality of your writing and are among the biggest stealers of imagination, often used to create a false sense of familiarity.

For example, using the cliché “opposites attract” when discussing two characters in a story, which may be true because opposites can attract, it neglects the other side of the coin that two characters can be drawn to each other despite their differences.

In this case, the cliché creates a sense of familiarity by funneling the readers’ thoughts in a singularly easy and over simplistic view of a naturally complex situation, eliminating the depth one can explore had different word choices been used.

Originality and creativity come in many forms, including using metaphors, similes, and analogies and developing unique characters and plot points. By creating original descriptions and ideas, you can avoid the urge to use clichés and create unique, interesting, and engaging stories.

Here are more reasons why using cliches may harm your writing:

Can be imprecise:
Clichés are often vague and imprecise, leading to confusion or misunderstanding, mainly when used in a complex story disrupting the flow and making it sound unnatural.

For example, the phrase “time heals all wounds” doesn’t provide any specific advice or guidance and is an overarching cover for something that requires a more thought-provoking response- essentially robbing you of an opportunity to express yourself through the written word.

If you want your writing to be clear and compelling, using precise language that conveys your ideas with clarity and accuracy is essential.

Can be offensive:
Some clichés are based on stereotypes or insensitive language, and using them can offend your readers. It’s essential to be mindful of your words’ impact on your audience. When you use clichés based on harmful stereotypes, even if unintentional, you inadvertently perpetuate those stereotypes and contribute to a culture of discrimination and oppression.

Distracting:
We’re not just recycling old phrases when we use clichés in our writing. We’re also distracting our readers from the content of our writing. Sayings can be so familiar that readers might unconsciously skim over them without considering what you’re trying to say. This can lead to a lack of engagement and disinterest in your writing.

Clichés rob you of your unique voice:
Ultimately, resorting to clichés refrains you from expressing your point of view as a writer. By omitting these phrases, you can craft an exceptional piece.

Unique writing is far more captivating than relying on overused expressions – so challenge yourself to be bold with your word choice!

Adding color and impactful descriptions will capture the minds and hearts of your audience. Substituting jaded words with some vitality gives you the ability to rebrand your content and make your readers take notice. You’re responsible for keeping them engaged with content that can reward their trust; make every sentence count.

It’s important to know what cliched phrases to avoid and have ideas for substitutions. Here, we’ve created a starting ground:

 

Ten typical cliches and three examples for each:

 

“Ace in the hole” is Someone or something with a hidden advantage that can be used to their benefit – but it’s become so overused that it fails to convey the desired impact. Sample replacements could include a “secret weapon,” “hidden trump card,” or even a “well-kept surprise.”

Examples: 

  1. She had a secret weapon that gave her an advantage over her competitors in the market.
  2. His hidden trump card was revealed during the negotiation, and it completely changed the dynamics of the conversation.
  3. The team had a well-kept surprise for their opponents during the championship game, which helped them win.

 

“Under the weather.” This phrase typically implies feeling unwell, though its use has become so widespread that it no longer elicits a strong response. Try replacing this expression with more descriptive words such as “ill,” “ailing,” or even “not in the best of health.”

Examples:

  1. She was ailing and decided to take the day off from work.
  2. He was not in the best health and needed to rest for a few days to recover.
  3. After catching the flu, she felt ill and stayed home for a week.

 

“Catch-22” has been around for decades, referring to a no-win situation where any action taken will have negative consequences regardless of the outcome. Sample replacements might include phrases like “no-win situation,” “impossible dilemma,” or “lose-lose scenario.”

Examples:

  1. The new policy created a no-win situation for the employees, who would face negative consequences regardless of their actions.
  2. The decision to move forward with the project presented an impossible dilemma for the team, as both options had negative consequences.
  3. He found himself in a lose-lose scenario when he had to choose between disappointing his boss or losing a significant client.

 

“Bite off more than you can chew.” has unfortunately become generic and overused- it refers to someone taking on too much or attempting something beyond one’s capabilities. Replacements could include expressions like “taking on too much,” “aiming too high,” or “out of your depth.”

Examples:

  • She was aiming too high when she accepted the new job offer and soon became overwhelmed.
  • He took on too much when he decided to renovate his house by himself and quickly realized he was out of his depth.
  • She learned that taking on too much can be stressful and decided to scale back her commitments.

“In a nutshell.” is commonly used to explain something in brief terms and summarize main points, this phrase is becoming tired and trite – and readers may not connect as strongly with its meaning anymore. Alternatives can include phrases such as “in short,” “summarized quickly,” or “in brief.”

Examples:

    1. In short, the project was a success and exceeded our expectations.
    2. Summarized quickly, the report indicated a significant increase in profits for the quarter.
    3. In brief, the team worked tirelessly to complete the project on time and under budget.

“On Cloud Nine” Traditionally describing an ecstatic state of joy and contentment, this worn-out expression fails to deliver the same bright impact as when first introduced – instead of relying on it, try saying things like “over the moon,” “thrilled,” or “euphoric.”

Examples:

      1. She was over the moon when she received the news that she had been accepted into her dream school.
      2. He was thrilled when he learned he had won the lottery and could finally retire.
      3. After finishing the marathon, she felt euphoric and proud of herself for accomplishing such a challenging feat.

“Piece of cake” is used to imply an effortless task that anyone should be able to do easily; however, its frequent use means it now carries little weight with readers and audiences alike! Better replacements might be phrases like “simple task,” “easy peasy” (although this one is pushing cliche territory), or even just plain old “easy.”

Examples:

      1. Completing the project was a simple task for the experienced team.
      2. The exam was easy peasy for the students who had studied diligently.
      3. He found the instructions clear and straightforward, making the job easy.

“Back to square one.” Often used when people have tried and failed at something, needing to start again from scratch – but its overuse means it won’t pack near as powerful a punch when communicating this message! Substitutes could be expressions such as “starting from scratch again,” “back to/at the beginning,” or simply saying they must start over again.

Examples:

      1. After the project failed, they had to start from scratch again to develop a new plan.
      2. The negotiations fell through, and they were back to the beginning in trying to reach an agreement.
      3. She realized she had made a mistake and must start over again to fix it.

“Barking up the wrong tree.” When someone is chasing after wrong ideas or going about a situation incorrectly – but once again, its popularity means impactful replacement phrases are essential! Some options are expressions such as heading down the wrong path, going after something futile’, or ‘chasing wild hares.’

Examples:

      1. He was heading down the wrong path when he assumed the answer was simple.
      2. She went after something futile when she tried to convince her boss to change his mind.
      3. He realized he had been chasing wild hares when he finally found the solution to the problem.

“A penny saved is a penny earned” Implies careful money management – but why not put some zest into your writing by using alternatives? Try saying things like ‘careful saving pays off,’ ‘look after your money wisely,’ or ‘prudent spending yields rewards.’

Examples:

      1. Careful saving pays off in the long run and helps achieve financial stability.
      2. Looking after your money wisely can yield significant rewards in the future.
      3. Prudent spending can lead to a brighter financial future for you and your family.

 

Crafting your unique voice as a writer starts with avoiding clichés. Making an effort to use fresh language, compel your readers with relevant facts, and present your ideas in a clear & direct manner will transform mundane sentences into true works of art. You can create writing that enthralls readers and viewers with the right words. Begin by discovering what makes your perspective unique – then showcase that flavor within each sentence! This is a sure way to craft impactful stories and leave a lasting impression on your audience.