Clichéd Efforts

Avoid clichés like the plague.

This is an entry in the Saturday series of Timeless & Timely called “Off the Clock, where we focus on words, a quirk of history or literature, or something just plain fun. Make sure you don’t miss a single issue.

The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, 1889 (Wikimedia Commons - public domain)

“There is no use indicting words, they are no shoddier than what they peddle.” — Samuel Beckett, 1958

When it comes to writing, clichés are a dime a dozen. They are a thorn in our side that we must nip in the bud — that is, if we want our writing to hit the nail on the head.

For writers, clichés are the elephant in the room that we need to address head-on. It goes without saying that they are a slippery slope that can lead to a dead end.

But the truth is, clichés are a double-edged sword that can make or break your writing.

They’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing because they seem harmless, but they can cause more harm than good.

Clichés are a flash in the pan that can ruin your work, making it fall as flat as a pancake. While one bad apple doesn’t ruin the barrel, having too many cooks in the kitchen is beyond the pale.

Clichés are the bane of any writer’s existence because they detract from the message you’re trying to convey. It’s only a matter of time until the jig is up.

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Related Reading:

“Welcome to the Golden Age of Clichés” (The Atlantic, February 21, 2023)

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If you want to avoid clichés, you need to be proactive and think outside the box. Remember: you can bet your bottom dollar that the early bird catches the worm.

While clichés may seem like a dime a dozen, they’re also a force to be reckoned with. You need to take the bull by the horns and address them head-on.

So get the lead out: don’t let clichés be the monkey on your back. Instead, take the road less traveled and be a breath of fresh air to your audience.

Mark my words: if you want your moment in the sun, you need to make hay while the sun shines and realize you’re the boss when it comes to your writing.

For what it’s worth, you don’t want to beat around the bush or beat a dead horse with the same old tired expressions. Instead, aim for the stars and let your words soar to new heights.

If you want to be a cut above the rest, you need to avoid clichés like the plague.

Be the change you wish to see in the world of writing and let your creativity shine.

Remember, every cloud has a silver lining and there’s more than one way to skin a cat.

So don’t give up on finding the right words. Leave no stone unturned as you follow your heart to better writing!

Thanks and I’ll see you on the internet.