I’ve just read my radiology report from a recent stay in hospital with little understanding, lots of ‘–itis’ like diverticulitis and ‘– ological’- no example needed. My dilemma is apparent. Luckily my GP was able to interpret some of the med-speak and luckier still, that AI picked up the baton with no sweat whatsoever.

And there it is; a smattering of cliché’s just to illustrate that I was up the creek without a paddle.

Where would language be without cliches and idioms? Love ’em or leave ’em, they are writing tools that enhance, delight and reimagine ways that we express ourselves.

When is an idiom a cliché – and does it even matter?

Language is a living, breathing entity, full of quirks, surprises, and patterns that often reveal more about culture than grammar. Among its most colourful features are clichés and idioms — phrases we use almost daily, sometimes without even thinking about them. Yet, despite their peppering of text here, there and everywhere, they are often misunderstood or dismissed as mere linguistic fluff.

Human truth

Clichés are phrases that have been used so often that they almost become invisible, yet they survive because they convey a universally understood truth. Expressions like “time heals all wounds” or “a picture is worth a thousand words” may seem overused, but their persistence signals that they capture something fundamental about human experience. They are the shortcuts of language – easy, familiar, and immediately recognisable.

Caution: Cliches may inspire a slap in the face of the person uttering a “time heals all wounds” to your news of breaking up with a long-time boyfriend. My personal best – note the extreme sarcasm is “it is as it is”. This cure all for any of life’s situations, even the most challenging and emotionally gut-wrenching, get this ‘solution’. It’s ANNOYING.

Not always popular, overreliance on cliches can make writing predictable or pedestrian. The key lies in balance: using clichés with awareness, perhaps even twisting them creatively to give them new life. Such as ‘the pot calling the kettle tone-deaf’ (assuming of the whistling variety).

True treasures

Idioms, on the other hand, are the hidden gems of language. Phrases like “spill the beans”, “kick the bucket”, or “let the cat out of the bag” often have meanings that are not obvious from the words themselves. They are culturally rich, historically layered, and infinitely fascinating. Idioms add flavour and personality to language, transforming ordinary speech into something memorable and vivid.

Unlike clichés, idioms are less about predictability and more about shared understanding. They require familiarity with cultural context, making them bridges between language and life experience.

Word pictures

Both clichés and idioms reflect the human desire for expression that is concise yet evocative. They help us communicate complex ideas quickly and paint mental images without lengthy explanations. They also connect us to generations past, carrying the wisdom, humour, and creativity of countless speakers before us.

So the next time you encounter a cliché or use an idiom, pause to appreciate its history and utility. These phrases are not just linguistic ornaments — they are reminders of how rich, playful, and alive our language really is.

And if you’ve gained nothing from my tirade, it is as it is.

Papering over the potholes: idioms

Nose out of joint?: Idiom explained

Hard to call someone a horse’s ass: idiom usage