Popular Cliches Explained for ESL Students

Popular Cliches Explained for ESL Students A cliche is a common phrase that has been overused. In general, cliches are to be avoided. In reality, they are not avoided - thats why they are cliches! Understanding popular cliches is especially important for English learners because they provide a deeper understanding of set phrases - or chunks of language. You might hear movie stars or politicians using cliches. Theyre phrases everybody understands.   10 Popular Cliches The writing on the wall   Something that is about to happen, something that is obviousCant you see the writing on the wall! You need to get out of that business.To pull an all-nighter   To study or work all nightWe had to pull an all-nighter to get the work finished on time.Pearls of wisdom   Wise words or adviceIm not really interested in his pearls of wisdom. He lived in a different period.Too much of a good thing   Generally used when saying thats impossible to be too happy, or luckyEnjoy it! You cant have too much of a good thing.Fit as a fiddle   To be ready and ableIm fit as a fiddle. Lets do this thing!Curiosity killed the cat   Dont be too inquisitive, it can be dangerous!Remember curiosity killed the cat. You should just forget about it.Dont do as I do, do as I say.   Used when someone points out that you are being hypocritical (doing one thing while insisting that others do that thing differently)Stop talking back! Dont do as I do, do as I say!Let sleeping dog s lie   Dont look into (investigate) something that was troublesome in the past, but in which people are not currently interestedId let sleeping dogs lie and not re-open the investigation into the crime. A cat has nine lives   Someone might be having problems now, but there are many chances to do well or succeedHis career reminds that a cat has nine lives!Moment of truth   The moment in which something important will be shown or decidedIts the moment of truth. Either well get the contract or we wont. Where Can I Find Cliches? These chunks of language known as cliches are found everywhere: in letters, in films, in articles, in conversation. However, cliches are most often used in conversation.   Should I Use Cliches? A good rule of thumb for English learners is to understand a variety of popular cliches, but not necessarily use them actively. Many times the use of a cliche signals fluency, but often cliches are considered inappropriate or unoriginal. On the other hand, if a native speaker  uses a cliche you will understand!  Ã‚   The Difference Between an Idiom and a Cliche An idiom is a phrase that means something else than the literal words. Idioms always have figurative, not literal meanings. Literal Meaning exactly what the words sayFigurative Having a different meaning than what the words say Two Idioms To get under someones skin To bother someoneShes getting under my skin these days!No spring chicken Not youngToms no spring chicken. Hes almost 70! Two Cliches A cliche is a phase which is considered overused (used too often) which can be literal or figurative in meaning. Here are some examples: The good old days / literal In the past when things were betterI remember my years at college. Yes, those were the good old days.Tip of the iceberg / figurative Only the beginning, or just a small percentageThe problems we are seeing are just the tip of the iceberg.