What is a cliche?

Question

I found a website that gave a definition of it basically meaning when you state the obvious, but then there was a list underneath of things like 'dog eat dog' how is that obvious, I still dont get it?

Answer 1

A cliché is a phrase, expression, or idea that has been overused to the point of losing its intended force or novelty, especially when at some time it was considered distinctively forceful or novel. It is generally used in a negative context.

"Cliché" applies also to almost any situation, subject, characterization, figure of speech, or object — in short, any sign — that has become overly familiar or commonplace. Because the novelty or frequency of an expression's use varies across different times and places, whether or not it is a cliché depends largely on who uses it, the context in which it is used, and who is making the judgment.

The meaning of a particular cliché may shift over time, often leading to confusion or misuse.


The second site I gave gives many examples of cliches to help you understand better.

My definition: A cliche is basically a commonly known expression.

NOUN:

A trite or overused expression or idea: "Even while the phrase was degenerating to cliché in ordinary public use . . . scholars were giving it increasing attention" (Anthony Brandt).
A person or character whose behavior is predictable or superficial: "There is a young explorer . . . who turns out not to be quite the cliche expected" (John Crowley).

Answer 2

if I say -- "outside of the comforts of home, humans are like sharks, tearing the flesh off each other" you'll have a visual image of a concept. It should be very real and powerful.

If I say, "its a dog-eat-dog world" -- well, 100 years ago that may have been just as powerful, but today it has no power, because it's overused.

A cliche is a word or phrase that has lost its power because it is overused: toe the line; put the pedal to the metal; it's a jungle out there ... these are all cliches.

Answer 3

A cliche is a saying that has been used so many times that it's very well known. It is also a reference to have stated, or over-stated, the obvious. Now adays most people used to indicate and old-fashioned concept.

Answer 4

A cliche is simply an expression or saying which has lost its meaning and impact through overuse. The same could apply to storylines for books and television and mediums of other art and music as well

Answer 5

It's more like something that is trite - or overused. If something is "cliche" it's almost mondayne because it's been used SO MUCH.
It's basically something that at one point may have even been construde as profound and genius and intelligent and now is just, "eh".
"dog eat dog" is a cliche because it means "very rough"... Instead of saying, "It's a rough world" they say, "It's a dog eat dog world"... But it's been said SO many times, it's commonplace.

Answer 6

A cliche is " an old saying,"Such as early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise. There was one man in the world who came up with most of the cliche's and he was Ben Franklin. He came up with a lot of them. His friends were jealous and they would say....."Ben! Don't you have anything else to do." But he also had time to help write the Constitution, invent bi-focals, discover electricity, and build and operate the 1st power house. He was a great american and he also had a lot of girlfriends. Yogi Berra the baseball player also came up with a lot of clishe's too. Such as" It's not over 'til it's over."And," It's like Deja vu all over again. "And he still had time to do commercials for Yoohoo chocolate drink. So a new cliche that I'm going to make up right now is... "If you want a new cliche ask someone who is busy to do it."

Answer 7

A cliché is sort of when the obvious happens. For example, in films/books it would be a cliché for the hero to get the girl.

Answer 8

It is a trite phrase or expression. Something that has become overly familiar or commonplace.

Answer 9

An expression which has lost its meaning through overuse.

Answer 10

it means a tired, trite expression that has been over-used to the point of having no real meaning.