What is an overused expression that lacks originality?

A cliché is an expression that has become overused to the point where it has lost its original meaning or impact. When a phrase or idea is repeated excessively, it can sound tired and unoriginal, failing to evoke a strong response from the audience.

The importance of identifying clichés lies in their potential to weaken writing or speech, as they often don’t convey the intended depth or creativity that fresh expressions can. For example, phrases like "think outside the box" or "the early bird catches the worm" are so commonly used that they may no longer resonate with listeners or readers in a meaningful way.

In contrast, euphemism refers to a figure of speech that softens a harsh reality, alliteration is a stylistic device often used for rhythmic or memorable phrases, and figurative language encompasses a variety of artistic expressions like similes and metaphors. None of these terms inherently imply a lack of originality as clichés do.