It's a common expression used to exaggerate the heat, and while it's effective in conveying the idea of extreme temperatures, it has been used so often that it's lost some of its novelty and impact.
Here's why it's a cliché:
* Overused: The phrase is widely used and has become a predictable way to describe hot weather.
* Figurative: It's a hyperbole, meaning an exaggeration used for effect. While it paints a vivid image, it's not literally possible to fry an egg on a sidewalk.
* Lack of originality: It's a predictable and unoriginal way to describe extreme heat.
If you want to be more creative and engaging in your writing, consider using alternative ways to describe the heat. For instance, you could:
* Focus on the sensory details: Describe the feeling of the sun on your skin, the shimmering air, or the sounds of heat waves.
* Use metaphors or similes: Compare the heat to a furnace, a fire, or a desert.
* Show, don't tell: Describe the effects of the heat on people and objects, such as people sweating profusely, asphalt melting, or ice cream melting quickly.