Cliché: the cat's whiskers

Meaning: defining good feature about something (example)


Rewrite 1: the dog's spots
Rewrite 2: the bird's song
Rewrite 3: the lion's mane
Rewrite 4: the dude's 'tude
Rewrite 5: the boa's hug


Comments: Another version defines this cliché as meaning superiority, so that's another possible rewrite or recasting opportunity.


Say hello on Twitter: @a_copywriter. 
...


Using idioms to express yourself
(commission may be paid for purchases)

Cliché: look what the cat dragged in

Meaning: Surprised (sometimes feigned) reaction to a mess or uncomfortable situation either brought in or caused by someone. (example)


Rewrite 1: Look what the dog dumped on our doorstep
Rewrite 2: Look what Poppa brought home
Rewrite 3: Look what the birds dropped on the window
Rewrite 4: Look what scurried under the door


Comment: Often considered simply an idiom instead of a cliché, but it's still overused and could be rewritten.


Check out the searchable alphabetical list of my cliché rewrites with my archived list.