Cliche

/kliːˈʃeɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.

The phrase 'time will tell' is often considered a cliche in conversations about the future.

A person or thing that is predictable or unoriginal.

His character in the movie was just another cliche, the brooding artist.

A repeated or overused idea or theme, particularly in literature or art.

The romantic plot was filled with cliches that made it feel unoriginal.

adjective

Describing something that has become tired or stale through overuse.

The cliche dialogue made the film less enjoyable.

French, originally a printing plate or stereotype.

life is a journey

A cliche suggesting that life is filled with experiences and lessons.

what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

A cliche implying that challenges build resilience.

better safe than sorry

A cliche emphasizing caution over risk.

stereotype

A widely held but oversimplified idea of a particular type of person or thing.

platitude

A remark or statement that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.

banality

The quality of being unoriginal or boring.

Used to describe something that is predictable or unoriginal.

The movie's plot was so cliche that I could guess the ending halfway through.

Referring to a person or idea that lacks creativity.

That design is so cliche, everyone has done it before.