When does an idiom become a cliche?

Question

I know cliches are idioms but do they become cliches from being overused?

Answer 1

An idiom is a statement or expression that cannot be understood grammatically, but has a known meaning to a group or culture. Cliches are well-known and frequently used phrases; often idioms but not always.

idiom/non-cliche: "at arms length"

idiom/cliche: "burden of proof"

non-idiom/cliche: "beyond a reasonable doubt"

I hope that helps!

Answer 2

Cliches are sayings and phrases that have become overused by society. Idioms are sayings that are not directly descriptive of a situation, such as 'kicked the bucket' this has no reference to dying but has come to mean it over the years.
Cliches can be idioms but are not solely idioms.
Idioms would become cliches if used often enough by society, in circumstances such as advertising.

Answer 3

I avoid cliches like the plague. As far as I'm concerned, at the end of the day, when all's said and done, they're dead and buried.

Answer 4

When they first appear on ones radar

Answer 5

that's a good question.