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cliché

/kliːˈʃeɪ/ noun C1 Neutral

Meaning

A cliché is an idea or phrase that has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect.
💡 Be cautious when using clichés, as they can make your writing or speech seem unoriginal.

Example Sentences

During the presentation , it became clear that relying solely on the 'think outside the box' clich é was not enough to address the complex challenges we face .
In her thesis , the student argued that the use of clich é s in political speeches often undermines their persuasive power by relying on overused expressions that fail to engage the audience critically .
The novel's reliance on the tired clich é of the tortured artist detracted from its otherwise innovative narrative techniques .
The proposal , although well - intentioned , ultimately relies on a series of clich é s that fail to address the complexities of the issue at hand .

Word in Context

In the quiet of her study , Emma reviewed the draft of her conference presentation , mindful that clarity often matters more than rhetorical flourish . She rejected several sentences that sounded like a clich é, preferring specific evidence to a sweeping generalisation . Although the audience expected some familiar motifs , she believed that nuanced argumentation would convey her point more persuasively . Never before had she revised a conclusion so thoroughly , partly because reviewers often fixate on novelty rather than methodological rigor . She arranged her data visualisations so that each slide progressed logically , and she practised brief transitions to avoid any sense of rehearsed platitude . Provided that she maintained this disciplined approach , she was confident the talk would stimulate thoughtful discussion instead of eliciting polite nods .

Common Phrases

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