cliché

American  

[klee-shey, kli-] / kliˈʃeɪ, klɪ- /

Or cliche

noun

1. a trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse, as sadder but wiser, or strong as an ox.

   Synonyms:

   commonplace, stereotype, bromide, platitude

2. (in art, literature, drama, etc.) a trite or hackneyed plot, character development, use of color, musical expression, etc.

3. anything that has become trite or commonplace through overuse.

4. British Printing.

   1. a stereotype or electrotype plate.

   2. a reproduction made in a like manner.

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adjective

1. trite; hackneyed; stereotyped; clichéd.

cliché British  

/ ˈkliːʃeɪ /

noun

1. a word or expression that has lost much of its force through overexposure, as for example the phrase

   it's got to get worse before it gets better

2. an idea, action, or habit that has become trite from overuse

3. printing a stereotype or electrotype plate

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cliché Cultural  

1. A much used expression that has lost its freshness and descriptive power. Some clichés are “I thank you from the bottom of my heart” and “It's only a drop in the bucket.”

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Other Word Forms

• clichéd adjective

Etymology

Origin of cliché

First recorded in 1825–35; from French: “stereotype plate, stencil,” noun use of past participle of clicher “to make a stereotype plate,” said to be imitative of the sound of the metal pressed against the matrix

Example Sentences

It is the cliché critique, made so often, by so many and for so long.

From BBC

Most rock biopics have a similar rise-and-fall-and-rise arc; it’s a cliché that works, like plugging “Sweet Caroline” into a bar’s jukebox.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m the head of HR and he’s the CEO. It’s, like, so cliché and so bad.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a cliché to say that movies are a form of dreaming, but people who love them understand that as a foundational truth.

From Los Angeles Times

And if the cliché that directing is 90% casting has an element of truth, it bodes well for Ms. DeBessonet’s tenure.

From The Wall Street Journal