Definition
What is cliché?
An overused expression or idea.
Clichés are phrases, plot devices, or character types that were once effective but have been used so often they've lost their impact. They make writing feel lazy and generic, signaling that the author hasn't thought deeply about their choices. However, the line between cliché and convention is blurry—some 'clichés' are actually genre expectations readers want. The key is execution: a trope handled with fresh insight becomes fresh; a convention treated mindlessly becomes cliché.
On the page
Cliché examples
“At the end of the day, it is what it is.”
“The detective is a hard-boiled alcoholic with a troubled past.”
Famous examples in literature
Don Quixote
Miguel de Cervantes
Written specifically to mock the clichés of chivalric romances—and in doing so, created the modern novel.
Scream
Wes Craven
Made the horror genre's clichés its subject matter, with characters aware of horror movie 'rules.'
The Princess Bride
William Goldman
Plays with and subverts fairy tale clichés while still delivering genuine romance and adventure.
For writers
How writers use cliché
- Learn common clichés in your genre so you can avoid or subvert them
- Replace clichéd phrases with specific, concrete details
- Give clichéd characters unexpected depths or contradictions
- Sometimes, play clichés straight but execute them exceptionally well
Why it matters
- Clichés signal lazy writing and break reader immersion
- Fresh language makes familiar ideas feel new
- Knowing clichés helps you subvert or avoid them
- Some 'clichés' are genre conventions readers actually want
Across different genres
Cliché: Farm boy is the chosen one. Fresh: Farm boy is chosen, resents it, and makes terrible decisions because he's 17 and traumatized.
Cliché: Love triangle. Fresh: Love triangle where the 'wrong' choice might actually be right.
Cliché: Don't split up! Fresh: They split up strategically, and it still goes wrong for different reasons.
Cliché: Butler did it. Fresh: Make the most obvious suspect guilty but for unexpected reasons.
Types and variations
Cliché vs. Trope vs. Archetype
A trope is a recurring storytelling device. An archetype is a universal pattern. A cliché is a trope or phrase that's become so overused it's lost impact.
The 'mentor' is an archetype. The 'wise old wizard' is a trope. A wise old wizard with a long beard who dies halfway through is a cliché.
- Tropes are tools; clichés are dull tools
- Archetypes transcend individual works
- A well-executed trope is fresh; a phoned-in trope is cliché
Genre Conventions
Some 'clichés' are actually conventions readers expect and want. Romance readers want a happily-ever-after. Mystery readers want a solution.
The hero defeating the villain isn't a cliché in action movies—it's the genre promise.
- Know what your audience expects
- Subvert conventions deliberately, not accidentally
- Fulfilling expectations well is more important than avoiding them
Common pitfalls
- Overcorrecting: Avoiding ALL conventions can make your work feel strange
- Subversion for subversion's sake: Twisting expectations without purpose annoys readers
- Not knowing your genre: What seems cliché to you might be expected by readers
- Confusing cliché with archetype: Archetypes are timeless; clichés are tired executions
Try it in your own writing
- Fantasy: Take a clichéd fantasy trope and write it from the villain's sympathetic perspective
- Romance: Write a meet-cute that avoids every common meet-cute scenario
- Horror: Have your characters make smart decisions and still lose
Quick answers
Cliché FAQ
What is cliché?
An overused expression or idea. Clichés are phrases, plot devices, or character types that were once effective but have been used so often they've lost their impact. They make writing feel lazy and generic, signaling that the author hasn't thought deeply about their choices. However, the line between cliché and convention is blurry—some 'clichés' are actually genre expectations readers want. The key is execution: a trope handled with fresh insight becomes fresh; a convention treated mindlessly becomes cliché.
What are some examples of cliché?
The examples on this page include Example of Clichéd Expression and Example of Character Cliché. Each one shows how the device works in context.
How can writers use cliché effectively?
Learn common clichés in your genre so you can avoid or subvert them Replace clichéd phrases with specific, concrete details Give clichéd characters unexpected depths or contradictions