Words / C1

KLEESH-ay/ˈkliːʃeɪ/

A cliché is a phrase or idea used so often that it has gone stale: “time is money” as a cliché, a clichéd plot. Saying and phrase are everyday and neutral; platitude is a close cousin for an empty moral remark; stereotype is a tired idea about people. Clichéd is the adjective (British spelling with the accent in the noun is usual: cliché). In speech, a tired phrase or overused line is enough. A cliché is overused, not merely familiar — a proverb can still be useful; a cliché is the one you reach for instead of thought.

Meaning

A phrase or idea that has been used so often that it is no longer fresh.

Examples

• ““Time is money” is a cliché.”
• ““Think outside the box” is a cliché in every briefing; the plan still needed a date.”
• “The ending was clichéd: a sudden storm, a last-minute letter, no new idea.”

Good to know

An overused, stale phrase or idea. Adjective: clichéd. Everyday: a tired phrase. Close: platitude (empty moral). Contrast: proverb (can still work); a merely familiar line.

Near in meaning

platitude

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