42 cliche phrases to avoid (+ what to do instead)
This post is all about cliches in writing.
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely realized how tiresome it can be to spot cliches in writing and you want to know the most common cliches you should avoid in your writing.
You’re in luck because I’m about to list 50 common cliches you should avoid in creative writing… and what to do instead.
Before we get into it, I just want to note that as a writing coach, I fully believe that there are almost ALWAYS exceptions to these writing “rules.” There are ways to use cliches creatively – you just need to use them in unconventional ways, or ways they haven’t been used before.
But if you find yourself falling into the trap of using these cliches mindlessly or because you can’t think of another way to say something, then you might need to spend some more time figuring out new and creative ways to write those thoughts.
Another preface:
Using these cliches in dialogue is a totally different story because we often DO use cliches in our dialogue in real-life. So, if it would be characteristic of someone in your story to use these cliches in their speech, go for it.
This post is talking more about avoiding cliches in descriptive writing.
This post is all about cliches in writing.
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CLICHES TO AVOID IN WRITING:
1. “Once upon a time…”
It’s fine if you’re using this because you want to write a classic fairytale, but this opening phrase has been used so much that it has become one of the most common and tiresome cliches in writing.
Instead, find a unique way to capture readers’ attention from the start. Describe a strange scene, a mundane moment with a unique twist, or give them insight into your character’s thoughts.
2. “In the nick of time”
This phrase is meant to communicate tension, but it has been used excessively in stories and creative writing.
Instead, describe what would have happened if the event you’re describing didn’t occur “in the nick of time.” This approach is much more descriptive and will hook in your reader because you’re focusing on the details of a story they haven’t heard before.
3. “Sweet like honey”
This is a fantastic simile, but it’s used so frequently that no longer carries the same level of imagery for most people who read this phrase.
Instead, find something new to compare it to!
4. “Against all odds”
This is also a powerful statement, but again, has lost some of its meaning to many people just because it’s been used so much.
Instead, describe the “odds” to illustrate how incredible it is that something happened “against all odds.”
5. “Tears welled up in her eyes”
This is one cliche in writing that has become the go-to way to describe someone crying… But there are so many ways to describe somebody crying aside from describing their eyes.
Talk about their muscles tensing, their body language, what they were looking at, their facial expressions… There is so much more that happens to human beings when we cry that is not focused on enough in writing!
6. “Perfect storm”
I actually don’t think this cliche is always bad, because sometimes it really is the perfect (no pun intended) way to describe an ironic situation.
However, many writers use it as a bit of a cop-out because they don’t want to go through the effort of actually writing about the irony of a situation.
7. “Clean slate”
Instead, focus on the impact of the “clean slate” on your narrative arc. Whether the “clean slate” is a relationship restarting, a character moving to a new city, someone erasing all the work they’ve done, or anything else, there are several great ways to communicate this in more imaginative ways.
8. “A cry for help”
Instead of using this phrase as a description, explain the character’s actions and allow the reader to draw conclusions about the character for themselves.
9. “Broken record”
This phrase has largely lost its impact due to repetition. Create new metaphors or similes to describe repetitive behavior or redundancy.
10. “Busy as a bee”
This cliche ultimately lacks creativity. Instead, use descriptive language and imagery that touch on the five senses to paint a clear picture of busyness.
11. “Calm before the storm”
This creative writing cliche is simply predictable. Try using alternative phrases to foreshadow impending chaos or tension.
12. “Growing like a weed”
This phrase is often used in dialogue which is fine, because it is something many people genuinely say. But if you’re using it in descriptive writing, it lacks originality.
There are so many other similes and metaphors you can create for growth that have nothing to do with weeds (or even plants, for that matter). Plants are one of the most over-used similes to describe growth!
13. “Crack of dawn”
I think it’s a little sad that this is such a common way to describe the early morning because there are so many sounds, sights, and even smells associated with sunrise that you can draw from to write a really vivid scene.
14. “Day in and day out”
This cliche lacks impact. Instead of using this phrase to describe the mundane, make the reader understand what it would feel like to be stuck in whatever mundane thing or event you’re describing.
15. “Water under the bridge”
This cliche is used a lot in real life speech, but when used in description and exposition, it comes off lazy.
When you’re describing a character letting go or moving on, there are many ways you can describe their specific story and circumstances, which is unique to them, so your readers will not have heard it before.
16. “Eye for an eye”
This is often used to describe revenge or retribution, meaning there is always a more descriptive way you can communicate it that’s unique to your story!
17. “Eyes in the back of their head”
Ultimately, this phrase is trying to describe a heightened awareness or perceptiveness. So, describe those qualities rather than resorting to this phrase.
18. “Follow your heart”
This is one of my least favorite cliches in writing that is so overused. Instead, explore nuanced ways to encourage your character trusting their instincts and desired, or explore other ways that they can give this advice without being cliche.
A great tool to help with uncovering your characters’ desires and motivations is my character development workbook called Real Characters. You can grab it here.
19. “You could hear a pin drop”
This is a great description, but it has lost impact through repetition. Search for other descriptive writing you can use to convey silence or tension in a more original way.
20. “Goes without saying”
This phrase is not often thought of as a cliche, but it is often used when there are other more descriptive alternatives that could be employed. Instead of using this phrase, explicitly express what might seem obvious or self-evident; or better yet, let the readers do a little work to read between the lines.
21. “Jack of all trades”
This is one of those phrases that is sometimes used appropriately, but often is used simply because the person writing it resorts to using this phrase instead of finding a better way to describe someone’s versatility or wide skillset.
22. “Lay down the law”
This overused cliche lacks impact. Instead of describing someone’s authority in plain terms like this, describe their actions and allow the reader to draw their own conclusions about the person’s level of authority.
23. “Pulling their leg”
Instead of using this phrase, describe the actions that occur within the playful banter or humor you’re referencing.
24. “Moment of truth”
This cliche has become incredibly predictable. Instead, describe what the setting feels like in that moment to communicate the tension your characters may be experiencing.
25. “Moving mountains”
Instead of falling back on this popular phrase, describe the specific challenges or achievements you’re referring to.
26. “No sweat off my back”
This is one of those cliches in writing that lacks originality and creativity. Instead, use strong imagery to express the lack of concern or effort you’re referring to.
27. “Playing with fire”
This communicates risky behavior and is actually a great description, except that writers often resort to using it as a means of taking the easy way out.
28. “Faster than you can blink”
This is once again overused, and there are lots of other creative ways to describe speed!
29. “Reinvent the wheel”
This is often used in everyday speech, but in writing, it’s tired and lacks inventiveness. Instead, you should reinvent the wheel on this one and find a new way to convey the idea of innovation and originality.
30. “Rubs me the wrong way”
A lot of people don’t even know what this writing cliche means, to be honest. It’s meant to describe irritation or discomfort, but often gets lost in translation.
Instead, think of how you would feel when irritated or uncomfortable and use what comes to mind as a starting point!
31. “Feeling on edge”
Unease and nervousness can be described in so many tangible ways. When you’re describing someone who is feeling on edge, focus on their body language and you’ll find that your writing ends up being a lot more imagery-filled.
32. “Shot in the dark”
There are other phrases you can create to describe uncertainty! This phrase is super overused.
33. “Through thick and thin”
This was once a great way to describe loyalty, but at this point, it’s too familiar. When you’re writing creatively, you want to keep your reader on the edge of their seat.
Instead, describe the actual qualities of a person or relationship that make them loyal.
34. “Spill the tea”
This is a trendy term that could become quickly outdated, and even if it doesn’t, it’s quickly becoming a total cliche.
Unless you’re writing this into modern dialogue or intend for your writing to sound super conversational, avoid this phrase entirely!!
35. “Sweating buckets/bullets”
This is simply unoriginal because of how overused it is. It’s often used to describe perspiration or anxiety, but it’s best to describe these feelings by focusing on what can be seen through body language or physical changes in a character.
36. “Up their sleeve”
This cliche is very overused. It’s meant to talk about hidden strategies or secret plans, but you can describe these things effectively while avoiding the phrase “up their sleeve” entirely.
37. “Wears her heart on her sleeve”
Emotional openness can be depicted in a myriad of ways that’s unique to different characters. Focus on the characters’ unique traits instead!
38. “What you see is what you get”
Although this is a great way of putting the sentiment in plain terms, it lacks creativity and therefore will sound boring for the reader. Find fresh expressions to convey authenticity or transparency by describing unique aspects the person, thing, or situation you’re referring to.
39. “When it rains, it pours”
This old saying is simply predictable. There’s no reason to use it because your story, plot, and descriptions should be enough for the reader to understand this theme on their own.
40. “Whole 9 yards”
This cliche in writing lacks impact. The point of it is to articulate completion or thoroughness, so find more creative, image-filled ways to share this idea. Show, don’t tell!
41. “Last-ditch effort”
I don’t always hate this cliche personally, but it still is overused. Instead, describe what specifically goes into this effort so that the reader understands the impact.
42. “Worst nightmare”
This is one of the worst cliches in my opinion because it’s meant to describe a horrifying, fearful, or otherwise negative experience.
Negative emotions and events are some of the most impactful ones to write because there are so many intricate and detailed ways to write about them.
What other writing cliches do you think should be avoided?
This post was all about cliches in writing.
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Great article. I agree with the cliches & this was very helpful.