The Wisdom of Cliches
The first time a cliche was uttered, it was probably a profound statement of wisdom. It was so good that everyone started using it, turning it into a cliche, which is a phrase, expression, or idea that has been overused to the point that it has lost its original meaning or impact.
Here are some once-meaningful phrases that have been relegated to the cliche graveyard:
"Actions speak louder than words"
"All is fair in love and war"
"Better late than never"
"Don't judge a book by its cover"
"Every cloud has a silver lining"
"Good things come to those who wait"
"Ignorance is bliss"
"It's not the end of the world"
"Life is like a box of chocolates"
"Money can't buy happiness"
"Practice makes perfect"
"The grass is always greener on the other side"
"Time heals all wounds"
"When one door closes, another opens"
"You can't have your cake and eat it too"
Keep in mind that while cliches can be useful for conveying a common idea in a succinct way, overuse of them can make your writing or speech sound unoriginal or even insincere.
We don’t want to be regarded as unoriginal or insincere so fake it until you make it, say what you mean, and mean what you say, because there’s more to you than meets the eye. However, don’t worry about what people think about you because actions speak louder than words and anyone who judges a book by its cover isn’t worth worrying about.
You’re welcome.