Popular Cliches Explained for ESL Students

A cliche is a common phrase that has been overused. In general, cliches are to be avoided. In reality, they are not avoided - that's why they are cliches! Understanding popular cliches is especially important for English learners because they provide a deeper understanding of set phrases - or 'chunks' of language. You might hear movie stars or politicians using cliches. They're phrases everybody understands. 

• The writing on the wall = Something that is about to happen, something that is obvious
  • Can't you see the writing on the wall! You need to get out of that business.
• To pull an all-nighter = To study or work all night
  • We had to pull an all-nighter to get the work finished on time.
• Pearls of wisdom = Wise words or advice
  • I'm not really interested in his pearls of wisdom. He lived in a different period.
• Too much of a good thing = Generally used when saying that's impossible to be too happy, or lucky
  • Enjoy it! You can't have too much of a good thing.
• Fit as a fiddle = To be ready and able
  • I'm fit as a fiddle. Let's do this thing!
• Curiosity killed the cat = Don't be too inquisitive, it can be dangerous!
  • Remember curiosity killed the cat. You should just forget about it.
• Don't do as I do, do as I say. = Used when someone points out that you are being hypocritical (doing one thing while insisting that others do that thing differently)
  • Stop talking back! Don't do as I do, do as I say!
• Let sleeping dogs lie = Don't look into (investigate) something that was troublesome in the past, but in which people are not currently interested
  • I'd let sleeping dogs lie and not re-open the investigation into the crime.

These chunks of language known as cliches are found everywhere: in letters, in films, in articles, in conversation. However, cliches are most often used in conversation. 

A good rule of thumb for English learners is to understand a variety of popular cliches, but not necessarily use them actively. Many times the use of a cliche signals fluency, but often cliches are considered inappropriate or unoriginal. On the other hand, if a native speaker uses a cliche you will understand!  

An idiom is a phrase that means something else than the literal words. Idioms always have figurative, not literal meanings.

• Literal = Meaning exactly what the words say
• Figurative = Having a different meaning than what the words say

• To get under someone's skin = To bother someone
  • She's getting under my skin these days!
• No spring chicken = Not young
  • Tom's no spring chicken. He's almost 70!

A cliche is a phase which is considered overused (used too often) which can be literal or figurative in meaning. Here are some examples:

• The good old days / literal = In the past when things were better
  • I remember my years at college. Yes, those were the good old days.
• Tip of the iceberg / figurative = Only the beginning, or just a small percentage
  • The problems we are seeing are just the tip of the iceberg.