A phrase or image worn smooth by overuse, often a placeholder where specific detail would land harder.

Worn language that no longer creates fresh image or feeling. Prose craft operates at the sentence. Rhythm, image, and distance shape feel on every page.

As a concept, it names a force readers feel even when they never use the word.

Why it matters

Cliché belongs to line-level craft. Manuscript Health Check and line edits often flag related patterns.

Common pitfalls

Using cliché as a label without checking whether the page actually performs the job.
Letting cliché crowd out scene goal, conflict, or change at the end of the unit.

Example only

Readers feel cliché when stakes tighten after the ally refuses to help.

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Cliché

Also called

tired phrase

BeginnerTone & prose styleReference

A phrase or image worn smooth by overuse, often a placeholder where specific detail would land harder.

Worn language that no longer creates fresh image or feeling. Prose craft operates at the sentence. Rhythm, image, and distance shape feel on every page.

As a concept, it names a force readers feel even when they never use the word.

Why it matters

Cliché belongs to line-level craft. Manuscript Health Check and line edits often flag related patterns.

Common pitfalls

Using cliché as a label without checking whether the page actually performs the job.
Letting cliché crowd out scene goal, conflict, or change at the end of the unit.

Example only

Readers feel cliché when stakes tighten after the ally refuses to help.