Meaning: cool and calm. Meanings and mentions.
Rewrite 1: cool as a frosty mug
Rewrite 2: cool as a springtime morning
Rewrite 3: calm and quiet like a sleeping toddler
Rewrite 4: the calm demeanor of a cucumber
Comment: I’m struggling here between creating metaphors and imagining similes that truly fit the original mind’s image. To restate the cliché with a different vegetable likely won’t improve the comparison.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Dead People Server: Cliché obituary page.
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Cliché: you can take that to the bank
Meaning: “that” is authentic or reliable. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: you could swear testimony on it
Rewrite 2: it’s as authentic as a dollar bill
Rewrite 3: it’s as trustworthy as a nun under oath
Rewrite 4: you can trade that on the stock market
Comment: The difficulty in rewriting this suggests that the number of unquestionable institutions is limited.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Jonah Goldberg’s File on National Review: “Remembering the Obvious Clichés of War.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: you could swear testimony on it
Rewrite 2: it’s as authentic as a dollar bill
Rewrite 3: it’s as trustworthy as a nun under oath
Rewrite 4: you can trade that on the stock market
Comment: The difficulty in rewriting this suggests that the number of unquestionable institutions is limited.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Jonah Goldberg’s File on National Review: “Remembering the Obvious Clichés of War.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Cliché: time on your (or my) hands
(entered for 03.29.06)
Meaning: extra time is available. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: minutes are running slow
Rewrite 2: all that time yet, with not much to do
Rewrite 3: the train’s on time but the clock is slow
Rewrite 4: time advances slowly, but my progress does not
Comment: Let’s advance the clock and get beyond this one.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Poynter Online – from “Special” to Substantial: Avoiding clichés as you write about people with disabilities.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: extra time is available. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: minutes are running slow
Rewrite 2: all that time yet, with not much to do
Rewrite 3: the train’s on time but the clock is slow
Rewrite 4: time advances slowly, but my progress does not
Comment: Let’s advance the clock and get beyond this one.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Poynter Online – from “Special” to Substantial: Avoiding clichés as you write about people with disabilities.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Cliché: miss the boat
(entered for 3.28.06)
Meaning: to fail in something, especially understanding. Meanings and mentions.
Rewrite 1: miss the train
Rewrite 2: let the plane take off without you
Rewrite 3: the boat launches and you’re still on the dock
Rewrite 4: took intermission a bit early
Comment: This is a fairly easy metaphor to reconstruct. The key is to say it succinctly.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• UFies.org: Movie Cliches (links to other sites)
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: to fail in something, especially understanding. Meanings and mentions.
Rewrite 1: miss the train
Rewrite 2: let the plane take off without you
Rewrite 3: the boat launches and you’re still on the dock
Rewrite 4: took intermission a bit early
Comment: This is a fairly easy metaphor to reconstruct. The key is to say it succinctly.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• UFies.org: Movie Cliches (links to other sites)
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Cliché: looking for a needle in a haystack
Meaning: looking for the difficult-to-find. Origins and use examples.
Rewrite 1: looking for a thread in a ball of string
Rewrite 2: looking for a bullet in a lump of leadn3
Rewrite 3: finding a sugar crystal in a salt shaker
Rewrite 4: finding a tear in an ocean
Comment: You might go for something less obvious, like finding a straw in a haystack. Some might think they’re one in the same, but they aren’t. Hay is a grass while straw is a grain.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Berklee Shares: “Learn how to use line clichés to harmonize melodic phrases that are largely diatonic to a single key.” (music)
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: looking for a thread in a ball of string
Rewrite 2: looking for a bullet in a lump of leadn3
Rewrite 3: finding a sugar crystal in a salt shaker
Rewrite 4: finding a tear in an ocean
Comment: You might go for something less obvious, like finding a straw in a haystack. Some might think they’re one in the same, but they aren’t. Hay is a grass while straw is a grain.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Berklee Shares: “Learn how to use line clichés to harmonize melodic phrases that are largely diatonic to a single key.” (music)
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Cliché: fits like a hand in a glove
(also: fits like a glove)
Meaning: well fit. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: fits like an arm in a sleeve
Rewrite 2: fits like a noose
Rewrite 3: fits like pea in a pod
Rewrite 4: snug4 as a nail in a stud5 wall
Comment: This is about fitting snugly.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Design Clichés: “(Ifelse hand crafted geekery). A run through the most tired and overused cliches [sic] in LOGO DESIGNS.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: well fit. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: fits like an arm in a sleeve
Rewrite 2: fits like a noose
Rewrite 3: fits like pea in a pod
Rewrite 4: snug4 as a nail in a stud5 wall
Comment: This is about fitting snugly.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Design Clichés: “(Ifelse hand crafted geekery). A run through the most tired and overused cliches [sic] in LOGO DESIGNS.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Cliché: beat a dead horse
Meaning: keep at something that’s lost or hopeless. Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: flail a dead cat
Rewrite 2: pump a dry well
Rewrite 3: hammerv a buried nail
Rewrite 4: paint a red wall orange
Comment: This may mean something that’s hopeless or an act that’s already finished. I tried to cover both in these rewrites.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Odd Thinking: “Treating cliches [sic] like the plague.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: flail a dead cat
Rewrite 2: pump a dry well
Rewrite 3: hammerv a buried nail
Rewrite 4: paint a red wall orange
Comment: This may mean something that’s hopeless or an act that’s already finished. I tried to cover both in these rewrites.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Odd Thinking: “Treating cliches [sic] like the plague.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Cliché: waiting for your ship to come in
(entered for 03.24.06)
Meaning: anticipation. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: waiting for your plane to come in
Rewrite 2: watching the docks for your ship
Rewrite 3: waiting for your package to arrive
Rewrite 4: standing at the taxi stand
Rewrite 5: hailing a ride to tomorrow
Comment: This can also be somewhat whimsical, like rewrite 5.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Corrent Wire: “Why Cliches [sic] Are So Annoying.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: anticipation. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: waiting for your plane to come in
Rewrite 2: watching the docks for your ship
Rewrite 3: waiting for your package to arrive
Rewrite 4: standing at the taxi stand
Rewrite 5: hailing a ride to tomorrow
Comment: This can also be somewhat whimsical, like rewrite 5.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Corrent Wire: “Why Cliches [sic] Are So Annoying.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Cliché: same song and dance
(entered for 03.23.06)
Meaning: nothing new; same thing you see all the time. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: same worn out stage performance
Rewrite 2: Ringling Brothers was doing that act decades ago
Rewrite 3: same old leading lady, same leading man – no longer leading
Rewrite 4: instead of singing and dancing, how about whistling and waving
Comment: A lot of this is about stage performance, but you could easily apply it to circus performances and sales pitches.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Macsimum News: “’Hustle and Flow’ offers gritty clichés.” [Movie review]
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: nothing new; same thing you see all the time. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: same worn out stage performance
Rewrite 2: Ringling Brothers was doing that act decades ago
Rewrite 3: same old leading lady, same leading man – no longer leading
Rewrite 4: instead of singing and dancing, how about whistling and waving
Comment: A lot of this is about stage performance, but you could easily apply it to circus performances and sales pitches.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Macsimum News: “’Hustle and Flow’ offers gritty clichés.” [Movie review]
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Cliché: a penny for your thoughts
(entered for 03.22.06)
Meaning: what’s on your mind? Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: a buck for a piece of your mind
Rewrite 2: the going rate for what’s on your mind is a penny, and I’m buying
Rewrite 3: a penny5 a thought, and I’m in the market
Rewrite 4: it’s a seller’s market – a nickel2b a thought
Rewrite 5: I’d pay a nickel to know what you’re thinking
Comment: These comparisons are a dime a piece in today’s parlance, but I think I’ve taken the metaphor beyond its more modest beginnings.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• GriefworksBC: “The Dreaded Cliché. How Using Those Worn Out Phrases Can Be Quite Hurtful.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: what’s on your mind? Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: a buck for a piece of your mind
Rewrite 2: the going rate for what’s on your mind is a penny, and I’m buying
Rewrite 3: a penny5 a thought, and I’m in the market
Rewrite 4: it’s a seller’s market – a nickel2b a thought
Rewrite 5: I’d pay a nickel to know what you’re thinking
Comment: These comparisons are a dime a piece in today’s parlance, but I think I’ve taken the metaphor beyond its more modest beginnings.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• GriefworksBC: “The Dreaded Cliché. How Using Those Worn Out Phrases Can Be Quite Hurtful.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Cliché: leave no stone unturned
(entered for 03.21.06)
Meaning: consider every resource. Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: leave no leaf unturned
Rewrite 2: keep looking, though you’ve consulted every stone
Rewrite 3: consult every spacen3 and crevice
Rewrite 4: search till you’ve illuminated even every dark place
Comment: This is as much about exhausting every resource as it is about not giving up.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Australian Media Clichés: “This page is devoted to those expressions so hackneyed and insufferable that they should be forever banned from the nation's news reports.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: consider every resource. Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: leave no leaf unturned
Rewrite 2: keep looking, though you’ve consulted every stone
Rewrite 3: consult every spacen3 and crevice
Rewrite 4: search till you’ve illuminated even every dark place
Comment: This is as much about exhausting every resource as it is about not giving up.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Australian Media Clichés: “This page is devoted to those expressions so hackneyed and insufferable that they should be forever banned from the nation's news reports.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Cliché: ace in the hole or ace up his sleeve (new entry)
(re-entered on 04.02.06) (Happy first day of spring 2006!)
Meaning: hidden resource save until needed.
Rewrite 1: a gold coin sewn in his pocket
Rewrite 2: an extra key under the solen2 of his shoe
Rewrite 3: the answers up his sleeve
Rewrite 4: a picklockn2 pinned in her hair
Comment1: I had to replace my original here because, without intending to, I had repeated a cliché. My apologies to my readers. (I discovered the repeat when I tried to organize the list of clichés alphabetically.)
Comment2: Careful here: You don’t want to get too wild with examples, yet you also don’t want to resort to other clichés like a key under the mat.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Invent Your Own Investment Clichés: “To succeed in the share market, it helps to think and act differently from the herd.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: hidden resource save until needed.
Rewrite 1: a gold coin sewn in his pocket
Rewrite 2: an extra key under the solen2 of his shoe
Rewrite 3: the answers up his sleeve
Rewrite 4: a picklockn2 pinned in her hair
Comment1: I had to replace my original here because, without intending to, I had repeated a cliché. My apologies to my readers. (I discovered the repeat when I tried to organize the list of clichés alphabetically.)
Comment2: Careful here: You don’t want to get too wild with examples, yet you also don’t want to resort to other clichés like a key under the mat.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Invent Your Own Investment Clichés: “To succeed in the share market, it helps to think and act differently from the herd.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Cliché: airing dirty laundry
(entered for 03.19.06)
Meaning: publicizing your troubles. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: parading in town in your dirty laundry
Rewrite 2: taking out an ad on your dirty knickers
Rewrite 3: dirty laundry exposed – tonight’s big story at 11
Rewrite 4: taking your ugly problems to the streets
Comment: This is about baring all your faults to public witness, so the language is about various forms of “broadcasting”, although not necessarily about the airwaves. It would be nice to get beyond the concept of “dirty laundry” as a metaphor for problems.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Anu(e)scape: Clichés: 2003 list of banished words from Lake Superior State University.
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: publicizing your troubles. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: parading in town in your dirty laundry
Rewrite 2: taking out an ad on your dirty knickers
Rewrite 3: dirty laundry exposed – tonight’s big story at 11
Rewrite 4: taking your ugly problems to the streets
Comment: This is about baring all your faults to public witness, so the language is about various forms of “broadcasting”, although not necessarily about the airwaves. It would be nice to get beyond the concept of “dirty laundry” as a metaphor for problems.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Anu(e)scape: Clichés: 2003 list of banished words from Lake Superior State University.
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Cliché: you snooze, you loose
Meaning: stay alert or you’ll loose your edge. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: fall sleep, miss the joke
Rewrite 2: doze at the wheel, miss the curven2
Rewrite 3: look away, lose your way
Rewrite 4: close your lids, lose your kids
Comment: Since this is a metaphor, we can consider other ways of “snoozing,” like becoming distracted, resting your eyes, looking away, and so on.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Fly Fishing Clichés: “Things to say and know to be a fly fisherman!”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: fall sleep, miss the joke
Rewrite 2: doze at the wheel, miss the curven2
Rewrite 3: look away, lose your way
Rewrite 4: close your lids, lose your kids
Comment: Since this is a metaphor, we can consider other ways of “snoozing,” like becoming distracted, resting your eyes, looking away, and so on.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Fly Fishing Clichés: “Things to say and know to be a fly fisherman!”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Cliché: the red carpet treatment
(entered for 03.17.06) (Happy St. Patrick's Day!)
Meaning: extra special treatment. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: greeted with splendor and celebrity
Rewrite 2: celebrated and pampered2a with star-struck devotion
Rewrite 3: treatment renowned for its flourishesn2
Rewrite 4: adored and pampered like royalty
Comment: I was looking for a structure like the original. What is like “red carpet” that upon seeing it immediately says special treatment?
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• WCFrancis/Cliches: “Examples of elderly martial arts masters.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: extra special treatment. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: greeted with splendor and celebrity
Rewrite 2: celebrated and pampered2a with star-struck devotion
Rewrite 3: treatment renowned for its flourishesn2
Rewrite 4: adored and pampered like royalty
Comment: I was looking for a structure like the original. What is like “red carpet” that upon seeing it immediately says special treatment?
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• WCFrancis/Cliches: “Examples of elderly martial arts masters.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Cliché: the old ball and chain
(entered for 03.16.06)
Meaning: something or someone who keeps you in check. Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: the old wrist and ankle restraint
Rewrite 2: the old warden and executioner
Rewrite 3: my old freedom-restraint system
Rewrite 4: my personal lockdown guard
Rewrite 5: The old work-gang chain
Comment: Some of these rewrites may work better than others, depending on your circumstances. Certainly, they raise the specter of Southern prison hospitality.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• "Boy Gets Girl," But Not Without Clichés : Reviews: Theatre and the Performing Arts.
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: something or someone who keeps you in check. Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: the old wrist and ankle restraint
Rewrite 2: the old warden and executioner
Rewrite 3: my old freedom-restraint system
Rewrite 4: my personal lockdown guard
Rewrite 5: The old work-gang chain
Comment: Some of these rewrites may work better than others, depending on your circumstances. Certainly, they raise the specter of Southern prison hospitality.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• "Boy Gets Girl," But Not Without Clichés : Reviews: Theatre and the Performing Arts.
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Cliché: keeping up with the Joneses
Meaning: keep pace with more affluent neighbors. Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: keeping up with the Rockefellers
Rewrite 2: keeping up with “the Donald”
Rewrite 3: buying high-end to stay up with the high-enders
Rewrite 4: follow the Joneses on a buying spree
Comment: The trouble with this rewrite is naming affluent families people will know. You can localize it if your readership is strictly local. Otherwise, you have to pick on the same families, which can make whatever you write sound redundant.
Comment2: There is also, I believe, a part of this cliche that refers not to keeping up with the affluent but to keeping up with the next door neighbor. Rewrite 4 should serve that comparison, too.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Oblique Clichés Or Idiom: Sudden left turns in the middles of clichés. Clever references to clichés or idioms.
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: keeping up with the Rockefellers
Rewrite 2: keeping up with “the Donald”
Rewrite 3: buying high-end to stay up with the high-enders
Rewrite 4: follow the Joneses on a buying spree
Comment: The trouble with this rewrite is naming affluent families people will know. You can localize it if your readership is strictly local. Otherwise, you have to pick on the same families, which can make whatever you write sound redundant.
Comment2: There is also, I believe, a part of this cliche that refers not to keeping up with the affluent but to keeping up with the next door neighbor. Rewrite 4 should serve that comparison, too.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Oblique Clichés Or Idiom: Sudden left turns in the middles of clichés. Clever references to clichés or idioms.
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Cliché: get a word in edgewise
Meaning: have a chance to say something. Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: get a word in between syllables
Rewrite 2: shove a word in while you take a breath
Rewrite 3: work a word in here or there
Rewrite 4: it’s time you took an intermission so I can say something
Comment: The emphasis here should be on interrupting a non-stop speaker, assertively and politely if possible but aggressively if not.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• CISAB Animal Proverbs & Clichés: Animal Proverbs and Clichés from the Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, USA
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: get a word in between syllables
Rewrite 2: shove a word in while you take a breath
Rewrite 3: work a word in here or there
Rewrite 4: it’s time you took an intermission so I can say something
Comment: The emphasis here should be on interrupting a non-stop speaker, assertively and politely if possible but aggressively if not.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• CISAB Animal Proverbs & Clichés: Animal Proverbs and Clichés from the Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, USA
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Cliché: dig yourself into a hole
Meaning: create deep trouble for yourself. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: dig yourself into a mound2 of trouble
Rewrite 2: dig a hole under yourself
Rewrite 3: bury yourself in a hole
Rewrite 4: dig a hole and trap yourself inside
Comment: These are disturbing thoughts, but perhaps apropos for the metaphor.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Ford vehicle rusty with clichés: Firewall is a reveting suspense thriller. [Movie review.]
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: dig yourself into a mound2 of trouble
Rewrite 2: dig a hole under yourself
Rewrite 3: bury yourself in a hole
Rewrite 4: dig a hole and trap yourself inside
Comment: These are disturbing thoughts, but perhaps apropos for the metaphor.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Ford vehicle rusty with clichés: Firewall is a reveting suspense thriller. [Movie review.]
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Cliché: clean your clock
(entered for 03.12.06)
Meaning: beat you soundly. Origin and uses.
Rewrite 1: reset your clock
Rewrite 2: knock the cuckoo out of your clock
Rewrite 3: scrub the table with your face
Rewrite 4: dust your doilies
Comment: Rewrite 4 is stretching it, but if you’ve ever seen a doily in someone’s home, it’s often dusty because it’s hard to “dust.”
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Varaces: “Over the decades of films showcasing car chases, a few reoccurring situations seem to pop up. Here are some of the most often used car chase clichés.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Meaning: beat you soundly. Origin and uses.
Rewrite 1: reset your clock
Rewrite 2: knock the cuckoo out of your clock
Rewrite 3: scrub the table with your face
Rewrite 4: dust your doilies
Comment: Rewrite 4 is stretching it, but if you’ve ever seen a doily in someone’s home, it’s often dusty because it’s hard to “dust.”
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Varaces: “Over the decades of films showcasing car chases, a few reoccurring situations seem to pop up. Here are some of the most often used car chase clichés.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Cliché: were you born in a barn?
(entered for 03.11.06)
Also: were you raised in a barn?
Meaning: implies you are uncouth. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: were you born (raised) in a stable?
Rewrite 2: did you get your learnin’ in a barn?
Rewrite 3: where did you learn your manners, in a barnyard?
Rewrite 4: where’d you learn that, in a pig pen?
Rewrite 5: didn’t your mom ever teach you how to close the door?
Comment: This is often said of someone who doesn’t think to close the door behind him when coming into or going out of a house or other building, so I included rewrite 5 to suit that situation.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Bestsports: “Dr. Don Powell, aka Dr. Cliché, has stepped up to the plate and created a library of the "best and brightest [sports] clichés.” (Book review.)
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Also: were you raised in a barn?
Meaning: implies you are uncouth. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: were you born (raised) in a stable?
Rewrite 2: did you get your learnin’ in a barn?
Rewrite 3: where did you learn your manners, in a barnyard?
Rewrite 4: where’d you learn that, in a pig pen?
Rewrite 5: didn’t your mom ever teach you how to close the door?
Comment: This is often said of someone who doesn’t think to close the door behind him when coming into or going out of a house or other building, so I included rewrite 5 to suit that situation.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Bestsports: “Dr. Don Powell, aka Dr. Cliché, has stepped up to the plate and created a library of the "best and brightest [sports] clichés.” (Book review.)
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Cliché: test the waters
Meaning: try it. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: see if it holds up in a gale
Rewrite 2: see if it holds water
Rewrite 3: see if it floats
Rewrite 4: see if it flies
Comment: See if it can drive me crazy trying to find another way to say it. I had a hard time rewriting this one. Nothing seems to work as well.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Democratic Underground: “I fear that some cliches may be right… it looks like Command and Conquer: Generals is the video game equivalent of the near future that we will see.” [edited for brevity]
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: see if it holds up in a gale
Rewrite 2: see if it holds water
Rewrite 3: see if it floats
Rewrite 4: see if it flies
Comment: See if it can drive me crazy trying to find another way to say it. I had a hard time rewriting this one. Nothing seems to work as well.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Democratic Underground: “I fear that some cliches may be right… it looks like Command and Conquer: Generals is the video game equivalent of the near future that we will see.” [edited for brevity]
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Cliché: nailed it
Meaning: got it done well. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: spikedtv1a it
Rewrite 2: hammered it home
Rewrite 3: hit it square on the mark
Rewrite 4: dotted the bull’s eye
Comment: Similar to “aced it.” Rewrite 1 can relate to sports (e.g., volleyball), so watch where you use it. Rewrite 4 may be a little more obscure, but I think it gets across the idea of spiking or nailing the target dead center.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Like Clichés to the Seas: “Into which sci-fi crew would I best fit?”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: spikedtv1a it
Rewrite 2: hammered it home
Rewrite 3: hit it square on the mark
Rewrite 4: dotted the bull’s eye
Comment: Similar to “aced it.” Rewrite 1 can relate to sports (e.g., volleyball), so watch where you use it. Rewrite 4 may be a little more obscure, but I think it gets across the idea of spiking or nailing the target dead center.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Like Clichés to the Seas: “Into which sci-fi crew would I best fit?”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Cliché: love is blind
Meaning: we can overlook a lot when we love someone . Use examples.
Rewrite 1: love sees few blemishes
Rewrite 2: one loves what love sees
Rewrite 3: many are ugly but for the love that blinds the acquaintance
Rewrite 4: seeing past imperfections2 is love’s greatest gift
Comment: This one takes some finesse to speak eloquently without burdening credibility.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Eliminate Clichés: “Underlined and italicized phrases and words…”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: love sees few blemishes
Rewrite 2: one loves what love sees
Rewrite 3: many are ugly but for the love that blinds the acquaintance
Rewrite 4: seeing past imperfections2 is love’s greatest gift
Comment: This one takes some finesse to speak eloquently without burdening credibility.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Eliminate Clichés: “Underlined and italicized phrases and words…”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Cliché: keeps his cards close to his vest
Meaning: secretive. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: holds his cards close to his heart
Rewrite 2: files his notes under “top secret”
Rewrite 3: reads his mail in a dark, shrouded room
Rewrite 4: writes his secrets in code
Comment: Most references I found to this cliché gave its meaning a dark, sinister tone, so I have tried to stay in that connotationn2b. However, there are many other times when you might be secretive about something – say, a closely guarded family recipe – for which this would cliché could apply without implying a negative.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Newsobserver.com : Triangle Grammar Guide: “Your online peer-to-peer grammar class…”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: holds his cards close to his heart
Rewrite 2: files his notes under “top secret”
Rewrite 3: reads his mail in a dark, shrouded room
Rewrite 4: writes his secrets in code
Comment: Most references I found to this cliché gave its meaning a dark, sinister tone, so I have tried to stay in that connotationn2b. However, there are many other times when you might be secretive about something – say, a closely guarded family recipe – for which this would cliché could apply without implying a negative.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Newsobserver.com : Triangle Grammar Guide: “Your online peer-to-peer grammar class…”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Cliché: free as a bird
Meaning: free or unbound. Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: free as a cat on rat patrol
Rewrite 2: free as a bee on a buzziv3
Rewrite 3: free as a $20 bill in a good gust of wind
Rewrite 4: un-shackledtrv1 like a common bird
Comment: In rewrite 4, I tried to twist the idea around so we’re saying the same thing but in other words.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• National Novel Writing Month: “I was just wondering what clichés you are embracing while writing your novel?”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: free as a cat on rat patrol
Rewrite 2: free as a bee on a buzziv3
Rewrite 3: free as a $20 bill in a good gust of wind
Rewrite 4: un-shackledtrv1 like a common bird
Comment: In rewrite 4, I tried to twist the idea around so we’re saying the same thing but in other words.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• National Novel Writing Month: “I was just wondering what clichés you are embracing while writing your novel?”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Cliché: bare bones
Meaning: down to the basic level. Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: bare studs
Rewrite 2: bare chassis
Rewrite 3: down to the rivets
Rewrite 4: under the paint and skin3
Comment: In these rewrites, I have tried to stay away from mere references to a body and widen it to buildings (studs), cars or computers (chassis), and other mechanical or manufactured things (rivets). Even “paint” and “skin” can apply to a vehicle or piece of art.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Mexican art, hold the clichés: “Exhibitions around the country prove viewers are ready for modern art by indigenous artists.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: bare studs
Rewrite 2: bare chassis
Rewrite 3: down to the rivets
Rewrite 4: under the paint and skin3
Comment: In these rewrites, I have tried to stay away from mere references to a body and widen it to buildings (studs), cars or computers (chassis), and other mechanical or manufactured things (rivets). Even “paint” and “skin” can apply to a vehicle or piece of art.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Mexican art, hold the clichés: “Exhibitions around the country prove viewers are ready for modern art by indigenous artists.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Cliché: we're gonna tie one on tonight
Meaning: we’re going to party heavily. Use examples.
Rewrite 1: we’re going to put the party-hounds to shame tonight
Rewrite 2: we’re going to make a lot of party noise tonight
Rewrite 3: nobody parties like we do, and we’re going to set new standards tonight
Rewrite 4: we aren’t just going to tie one on tonight, we’re going to tie it into knots!
Comment: Rewrite 4 is a play on the original, which is permissible in our endeavor.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• TechRepublic Blog: “Worst Clichés of 2005.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: we’re going to put the party-hounds to shame tonight
Rewrite 2: we’re going to make a lot of party noise tonight
Rewrite 3: nobody parties like we do, and we’re going to set new standards tonight
Rewrite 4: we aren’t just going to tie one on tonight, we’re going to tie it into knots!
Comment: Rewrite 4 is a play on the original, which is permissible in our endeavor.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• TechRepublic Blog: “Worst Clichés of 2005.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Cliché: soup to nuts
Meaning: from one end to the other or all-inclusive. Meanings and uses.
Rewrite 1: fade in to fade to black
Rewrite 2: opening title to ending credits
Rewrite 3: toes to cranium
Rewrite 4: taillights to headlights
Rewrite 5: basement to penthouse2
Comment 1: These rewrites describe a lot of beginnings-to-ends. How might you rewrite or recast some of these to more fully explore the notion of being all-inclusive?
Comment 2: In rewrite 1, “fade in” and “fade to black” are film and television terms referring to the very beginning of a show (fade in) and the very end (fade to black), excluding opening or closing credits. They appear as the first and last items on a script. In rewrite 2, “opening title” and “end credits” are usually the first and last things you see on a movie or television show screen.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Lyrics and Songs: “Clichés by Jimmy Buffett…”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: fade in to fade to black
Rewrite 2: opening title to ending credits
Rewrite 3: toes to cranium
Rewrite 4: taillights to headlights
Rewrite 5: basement to penthouse2
Comment 1: These rewrites describe a lot of beginnings-to-ends. How might you rewrite or recast some of these to more fully explore the notion of being all-inclusive?
Comment 2: In rewrite 1, “fade in” and “fade to black” are film and television terms referring to the very beginning of a show (fade in) and the very end (fade to black), excluding opening or closing credits. They appear as the first and last items on a script. In rewrite 2, “opening title” and “end credits” are usually the first and last things you see on a movie or television show screen.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Lyrics and Songs: “Clichés by Jimmy Buffett…”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Cliché: a nail-biter
Meaning: very exciting, outcome not certain. Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: a heart-stopper
Rewrite 2: a fist-banger
Rewrite 3: a carpet wear-and-tearer
Rewrite 4: a floor-thumper
Rewrite 5: a foot-tapper
Comment: I’ve tried to describe some of the things you might do while nervously watching a very intense situation. I’m sure there are more.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Hyde Park Associates: “2006 model year clichés introduced.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: a heart-stopper
Rewrite 2: a fist-banger
Rewrite 3: a carpet wear-and-tearer
Rewrite 4: a floor-thumper
Rewrite 5: a foot-tapper
Comment: I’ve tried to describe some of the things you might do while nervously watching a very intense situation. I’m sure there are more.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• Hyde Park Associates: “2006 model year clichés introduced.”
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Cliché: in your face
Meaning: intimidatingly close. Meaning and uses.
Rewrite 1: leaped across your personal space
Rewrite 2: so close his twitching eyelashes touched yours
Rewrite 3: so close the red lines on his eyeballs looked like blood-infused lightning
Rewrite 4: jumped onto your chest
Comment: The trouble with this cliché is, it speaks so well of the menace you feel when someone is “in your face.” There may be another short way to say this, but I couldn’t think of it while I was rewriting. These rewrites say it but not in so few words.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• CNN.com – EW review: “’Hostage’ fights clichés.
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
Rewrite 1: leaped across your personal space
Rewrite 2: so close his twitching eyelashes touched yours
Rewrite 3: so close the red lines on his eyeballs looked like blood-infused lightning
Rewrite 4: jumped onto your chest
Comment: The trouble with this cliché is, it speaks so well of the menace you feel when someone is “in your face.” There may be another short way to say this, but I couldn’t think of it while I was rewriting. These rewrites say it but not in so few words.
More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• CNN.com – EW review: “’Hostage’ fights clichés.
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
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