It occurs to me every time I stumble over a cliché in conversation that, while it might be hackneyed, trite etc. there’s typically no simpler or more effective way to convey my thought. Regardless of my conscious desire to avoid their use, clichés provide an almost poetic simplicity and inevitably roll off my tongue like they were my own creation. Sure, everyone’s probably tired of hearing “we just take it one game at a time” and “we just have to give 110%” but there are many clichés that receive less attention but are just as powerful in their simplicity and uncanny accuracy. Here’s my poll … what’s your favorite cliché and why?
Posted by languorous at November 15, 2004 01:25 PMCliches are to an English major as creative, original lyrics are to a country singer... (i.e. they are avoided at all costs) :-)
Even though I am being sacrilegious, here are a few of my faves--
1. Throw gas on the fire
2. Think outside the box
3. Too many chefs spoil the soup
Honorable mention to: I'll keep my fingers crossed, but I won't hold my breath.
Posted by: Robb at November 15, 2004 03:48 PMI'd have to say "Running around like a chicken with his head cut off", both because that's what my life mostly consists of these days, and because of the hillarious mental image (look at him go!).
Posted by: Jason at November 16, 2004 08:50 AMWell shiver me timbers.....
Well blow me down....
How could I not like those?
I'm taking an early position with "ignorance is bliss" but I reserve the right to change that as I explore my possibilities. I'm also a fan of "out of the frying pan and into the fire" because, many times, a seemingly perfect solution just gets me deeper into trouble.
Posted by: languorous at November 16, 2004 03:40 PMOne of my favorite cliches is:
It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.
Posted by: Kelly at November 20, 2004 05:41 PM
Up a creek without a paddle
Posted by: Parker at November 23, 2004 12:28 PM