{"id":519,"date":"2017-02-18T03:30:29","date_gmt":"2017-02-18T03:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/patrickcarpen.com\/english\/?page_id=519"},"modified":"2017-04-04T00:35:56","modified_gmt":"2017-04-04T00:35:56","slug":"the-cliche","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/patrickcarpen.com\/english\/written-expression\/the-cliche\/","title":{"rendered":"The Cliche"},"content":{"rendered":"

This page was first published on the 18th of February, 2017 and last updated on the 3rd of April, 2017 by Patrick Carpen.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Photo thanks to:
http:\/\/www.freeimages.com\/photo\/ancient-bathhouse-in-trier-germany-2-1232294<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

A clich\u00e9 is an expression which has lost its original freshness and power through overuse.<\/p>\n

These expressions may include similes, metaphors, proverbs and other literary devices. Originally, these expressions enriched writing and speaking; however, because of their merits, they were overused and now become clich\u00e9s.<\/p>\n

However, no particular expression can be universally labeled a clich\u00e9. For example, what may be a clich\u00e9 in Guyana might be a fresh use of language in Trinidad, and vice-versa.<\/p>\n

The clich\u00e9 may also change from time to time. That is, an expression that is a clich\u00e9 today may no longer be considered a clich\u00e9 ten years later. Or an expression that is a clich\u00e9 today might not have been a clich\u00e9 ten years ago.<\/p>\n

The general rule is to try to make your writing sound original, fresh and lively by avoiding using those expressions that, according to your observations, have been overused.<\/p>\n

Here are some expressions that may be considered clich\u00e9s in the Caribbean:<\/p>\n

Make hay while the sun shines.<\/p>\n

Burn the candle at both ends.<\/p>\n

Ghost of a chance.<\/p>\n

This day and age.<\/p>\n

Words fell on deaf ears.<\/p>\n

Put your hands to the plough.<\/p>\n

Break the ice.<\/p>\n

Turn a blind eye to.<\/p>\n

Root of the matter.<\/p>\n

Face the music.<\/p>\n

Part and parcel.<\/p>\n

In a nutshell.<\/p>\n

Burn the midnight oil.<\/p>\n

Leave much to be desired.<\/p>\n

Wealth of meaning.<\/p>\n

Rank and file.<\/p>\n

Must of necessity.<\/p>\n

Please note that there is nothing wrong with using clich\u00e9s in writing if you see it fit or cannot find a better expression. The idea is that \u201cvariety is the spice of life as well as language\u201d. \u00a0Freshness and originality make writing come alive.<\/p>\n

Identify the clich\u00e9 in each of the following sentences. Replace it with an interesting equivalent expression. Page 102.<\/p>\n