cliche — an overused phrase or idea that has lost its original meaning or effect
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an overused phrase or idea that has lost its original meaning or effect
Pronunciation (IPA): /kliˈʃeɪ/
Example Sentences
- His pickup line was such a cliche that she rolled her eyes and walked away.
- The movie ended with the cliche of the hero walking into the sunset.
- It's become a cliche to say 'money can't buy happiness,' but people keep saying it anyway.
cliche
NOUN[/kliˈʃeɪ/]
an overused phrase or idea that has lost its original meaning or effect
Every romance movie ends with the same cliche kiss in the rain.
At the café with a wilted bouquet, tired clichés fade away!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French 'cliché', derived from the past participle of 'clicher' (to click or stereotype). The term originally referred to a printing plate that produced identical impressions, metaphorically extended to mean a phrase or idea repeated so often it has become hackneyed.
Breakdown
French 'clich-' (past participle stem of clicher, to stereotype) + '-é' (adjective suffix) = cliché (stereotype/overused phrase)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His pickup line was such a cliche that she rolled her eyes and walked away.”
“The movie ended with the cliche of the hero walking into the sunset.”
“It's become a cliche to say 'money can't buy happiness,' but people keep saying it anyway.”
“She tried to sound profound but just spouted weather-related cliches like 'after the storm comes the calm.'”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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