Cliche vs. Idiom — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 15, 2024
A cliché is an overused phrase that has lost originality and impact, while an idiom is a phrase with a figurative meaning different from its literal words.
Difference Between Cliche and Idiom
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A cliché is typically a phrase or expression that, due to overuse, has become predictable and unoriginal. It often conveys an idea or emotion that was once novel but has become tired through repetition. On the other hand, an idiom is a set expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal interpretation of its words but rather from its usage within a language community.
Clichés are often criticized in creative writing and speech for lacking freshness and thoughtfulness. They can make communication seem lazy or uninspired. In contrast, idioms can enrich language by conveying complex ideas succinctly and vividly, even though they can be confusing for non-native speakers due to their non-literal nature.
The use of a cliché can be seen as a fallback on familiar language patterns, and it may fail to engage the audience effectively. Whereas idioms require a deeper understanding of cultural context, making them both more engaging and challenging to use correctly in communication.
In English, clichés are frequently found in everyday speech, popular media, and advertising, often serving as a shorthand for common sentiments. Meanwhile, idioms are integral to the quirks and character of the language, often reflecting cultural attitudes and values through metaphorical expressions.
Clichés, due to their overuse, typically do not add any significant meaning or emphasis in discourse and are viewed as a sign of poor creativity. Idioms, however, play a crucial role in coloring language, often encapsulating life lessons or shared experiences within a culture, thus enhancing communication.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An overused expression that has become trite.
A phrase with a meaning not deducible from its individual words.
Usage Impact
Often seen as a lack of originality.
Adds richness to language through figurative meaning.
Interpretation
Literal and predictable.
Figurative and culturally specific.
Reception
Generally viewed negatively.
Valued for expressive depth.
Example
"At the end of the day..."
"Kick the bucket."
Compare with Definitions
Cliche
A phrase overly familiar and lacking in originality.
Saying only time will tell has become a cliché.
Idiom
Enhances language expressiveness.
Hit the nail on the head means to be exactly right.
Cliche
Used to express an idea redundantly.
The phrase avoid it like the plague is a cliché about avoiding.
Idiom
A set expression understood by native speakers.
Spill the beans means to reveal a secret.
Cliche
Often criticized for laziness in communication.
Using easy as pie in writing is seen as cliché.
Idiom
Often uses metaphors or unusual combinations.
Break a leg is an idiom used to wish someone good luck.
Cliche
Seen in many forms of media.
They lived happily ever after is a clichéd ending in fairy tales.
Idiom
Reflects cultural identity and values.
Pulling someone's leg means joking with them.
Cliche
A trite or overused expression or idea
"Even while the phrase was degenerating to cliché in ordinary public use ... scholars were giving it increasing attention" (Anthony Brandt).
Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that typically presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase; but some phrases become figurative idioms while retaining the literal meaning of the phrase. Categorized as formulaic language, an idiom's figurative meaning is different from the literal meaning.
Cliche
A person or character whose behavior is predictable or superficial
"There is a young explorer ... who turns out not to be quite the cliche expected" (John Crowley).
Idiom
A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g. over the moon, see the light).
Cliche
Usage Problem Clichéd.
Idiom
A characteristic mode of expression in music or art
They were both working in a neo-impressionist idiom
Cliche
Alternative form of cliché
Idiom
A speech form or an expression of a given language that is peculiar to itself grammatically or cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its elements, as in keep tabs on.
Cliche
Alternative form of cliché
Idiom
The specific grammatical, syntactic, and structural character of a given language.
Cliche
A stereotype plate or any similar reproduction of ornament, or lettering, in relief.
Idiom
Regional speech or dialect.
Cliche
A trite or obvious remark.
Idiom
A specialized vocabulary used by a group of people; jargon
Legal idiom.
Cliche
A trite or obvious remark
Idiom
A style of artistic expression characteristic of a particular individual, school, period, or medium
The idiom of the French impressionists.
The punk rock idiom.
Cliche
Suggests a lack of creativity.
Describing something as better late than never is a cliché.
Idiom
A manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, language family, or group of people.
In English, idiom requires the indefinite article in a phrase such as "she's an engineer", whereas in Spanish, idiom forbids it.
Some of the usage prescriptions improved clarity and were kept; others that yielded discordant violations of idiom were eventually revised.
Idiom
(programming) A programming construct or phraseology that is characteristic of the language.
Idiom
A language or language variety; specifically, a restricted dialect used in a given historical period, context etc.
In the idiom of the day, they were sutlers, although today they'd probably be called vendors.
Idiom
An established phrasal expression whose meaning may not be deducible from the literal meanings of its component words.
She often spoke in idioms, pining for salad days and complaining about pots calling the kettle black.
Idiom
An artistic style (for example, in art, architecture, or music); an instance of such a style.
The idiom of the expressionists
Idiom
The syntactical or structural form peculiar to any language; the genius or cast of a language.
Idiom may be employed loosely and figuratively as a synonym of language or dialect, but in its proper sense it signifies the totality of the general rules of construction which characterize the syntax of a particular language and distinguish it from other tongues.
By idiom is meant the use of words which is peculiar to a particular language.
He followed their language [the Latin], but did not comply with the idiom of ours.
Idiom
An expression conforming or appropriate to the peculiar structural form of a language.
Some that with care true eloquence shall teach,And to just idioms fix our doubtful speech.
Idiom
A combination of words having a meaning peculiar to itself and not predictable as a combination of the meanings of the individual words, but sanctioned by usage; as, an idiomatic expression; less commonly, a single word used in a peculiar sense.
It is not by means of rules that such idioms as the following are made current: "I can make nothing of it." "He treats his subject home." Dryden. "It is that within us that makes for righteousness." M. Arnold.
Sometimes we identify the words with the object - though by courtesy of idiom rather than in strict propriety of language.
Idiom
The phrase forms peculiar to a particular author; as, written in his own idiom.
Every good writer has much idiom.
Idiom
Dialect; a variant form of a language.
Idiom
A manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language
Idiom
The usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people;
The immigrants spoke an odd dialect of English
He has a strong German accent
Idiom
The style of a particular artist or school or movement;
An imaginative orchestral idiom
Idiom
An expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
Idiom
Requires cultural knowledge to be understood.
Bite the bullet means to endure a painful experience.
Common Curiosities
Can an idiom become a cliché?
Yes, if an idiom is overused in a particular context or manner, it can become a cliché.
How do clichés differ from idioms?
Clichés are overused and seen as unoriginal, whereas idioms are culturally rich expressions with figurative meanings.
Can understanding idioms help in understanding a culture?
Yes, since idioms often reflect cultural values and historical contexts, understanding them can provide insights into the culture.
How can one avoid using clichés?
One can avoid clichés by choosing to express thoughts in more specific, thoughtful, and original ways.
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning that cannot be deduced from its individual words but understood within a cultural context.
What role do idioms play in communication?
Idioms add expressiveness and cultural depth to communication, often conveying complex ideas succinctly.
What is an example of a cliché becoming useful?
In certain contexts like casual conversation or specific genres of fiction, clichés can quickly convey familiar concepts or feelings.
What is a cliché?
A cliché is a phrase or expression that has become overused to the point of losing its original impact.
Are idioms important in language learning?
Yes, learning idioms is crucial for understanding the cultural nuances of a language.
Why should writers avoid clichés?
Writers should avoid clichés to ensure their language remains fresh, engaging, and original.
How do idioms originate?
Idioms often originate from cultural practices, historical events, or literary sources and evolve over time.
What is an example of a popular idiom in English?
"Under the weather" is a popular English idiom meaning feeling sick.
Why might idioms be difficult for non-native speakers?
Idioms often rely on metaphorical or cultural knowledge that may not be obvious or familiar to non-native speakers.
How can one learn to use idioms correctly?
Learning idioms correctly involves practice, context, and understanding the cultural nuances that define their usage.
Can clichés ever be effective in communication?
Clichés can be effective when used deliberately for emphasis or common understanding in informal settings.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
