Writers--Get Rid of Cliches

It's __________cats and dogs!

You all know what word to use in the blank above. It's one of the better-known cliches used in conversation and by writers. Yes, writers are guilty of using cliches. Why? 

For one reason, it's a whole lot easier to pull one up instead of coming up with something new. It's lazy writing. It also happens because we use cliches in our conversation quite often, so it unconsciously transfers to our writing. 

The dictionary gives this meaning:  a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought  Doesn't that make you cringe a bit? Not so much the 'overused' part but the 'betrays a lack of original thought' phrase. 

What are some synonyms for cliche? banality, bromide, commonplace, platitude, stereotype, truism, and my favorite--trite. 

When you come face to face with the meaning and some synonyms, it should make you want to avoid cliches whenever and wherever you can. 

Here's an exercise to help you trade a cliche for something better. Warning--thinking needed!

Write as many new phrases for each of the following cliches:

• white as snow
• red as a rose
• a bull in a china shop
• a bolt from the blue
• a bee in your bonnet
• a bird in the bush is worth two in the hand
• nothing ventured, nothing gained
• raining cats and dogs
• you can't judge a book by it's cover
• read between the lines
• play your cards right

In closing, I have a wee confession. When I first started writing, I was the Queen of Cliches. Breaking the habit became a goal. I credit my first online critique group for helping me. Have I given up cliches completely? No, but I'm much better at eliminating them. The problem is that they are so handy!