General Cliches:
* Time heals all wounds: While time can help us cope, it doesn't necessarily erase pain or solve problems.
* The early bird gets the worm: This implies that being first is always the best option, ignoring the value of planning and strategy.
* Don't judge a book by its cover: This is often used to dismiss appearance, but it can also be misused to ignore obvious signs of trouble.
* You live and you learn: This minimizes the impact of mistakes and failures, suggesting they're just stepping stones.
* It's a small world: This is often used to express surprise at an unexpected connection, but it's a statement about our interconnectedness that shouldn't be surprising.
Specific to Writing:
* It was a dark and stormy night: This is a tired way to set a mysterious or suspenseful tone.
* He was as white as a sheet: This is a worn-out way to describe fear or shock.
* The hero's journey: While a useful narrative structure, it can feel formulaic and predictable if not executed creatively.
* Happy ever after: This can feel simplistic and unrealistic, especially in stories that aim for realism.
Ultimately, whether a cliche is overused depends on how it's used. A cliche can be effective if it's employed creatively and intentionally, or if it serves a specific purpose in the context of a story or conversation.
It's always better to strive for originality and fresh language, but recognizing and understanding cliches can help you make more conscious choices in your writing and communication.