Here are some common examples of cliches in different categories:
Common Phrases:
* "It's raining cats and dogs."
* "Don't judge a book by its cover."
* "Time flies when you're having fun."
* "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
* "You only live once."
Character Archetypes:
* The damsel in distress.
* The bad boy with a heart of gold.
* The wise old mentor.
* The overbearing mother.
* The goofy sidekick.
Plot Devices:
* The love triangle.
* The sudden twist ending.
* The hero's journey.
* The damsel in distress is rescued by the hero.
* The "deus ex machina" (a sudden, unexpected event that solves the problem).
Themes:
* Love conquers all.
* Good vs. evil.
* The power of friendship.
* The importance of family.
* Coming of age.
Specific Examples:
* "The American Dream" - a phrase that has become overused to describe the idea of achieving financial success and happiness through hard work.
* "Living in a bubble" - to describe someone who is sheltered from reality.
* "The grass is always greener on the other side" - a statement that suggests people always think others have it better.
Why are cliches problematic?
* Lack of originality: They make stories predictable and unoriginal.
* Lack of impact: They become meaningless because they are overused.
* Can be lazy writing: Writers might use them as shortcuts to avoid creating something unique.
How to avoid cliches:
* Be aware of common cliches.
* Think critically about your writing and see if you are using any worn-out phrases or ideas.
* Be creative and original in your writing.
Let me know if you have any other questions!