Hemza ZEGHAR
#OCE
Lesson #6 (Clichés and Fixed Statements)
Clichés
A cliché is a comment that is often used in certain common, everyday situations. It is a
comment that most people are familiar with and is therefore not original. Clichés are often
used in everyday conversation and they are also frequently played with in advertising slogans
and newspaper headlines.
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There are plenty more fish in the sea / pebbles on the beach. [There are plenty
more people or possibilities. Often used to cheer up someone who has found one
person or opportunity unsuccessful.]
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Look on the bright side. [Try to see something good in a bad situation. This is
usually followed by an explanation of what the bright side might be, e.g. you
probably wouldn't have enjoyed the job if you'd got it.]
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It's easy to be wise after the event or Hindsight is a wonderful thing. [When you
know what happens next, it's easy to say what you or others should have done.]
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It's not over until the fat lady sings. [You cannot be sure what will happen until
the very end of something, often a sports event. The expression refers to a long
opera which ends with a female singing the final song.]
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Enough is as good as a feast. [You shouldn't have more of something than you
need, e.g. food.]
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Ignorance is bliss. [You may be happier sometimes when you do not know all the
facts about a situation.]
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You can lead a horse to water (but you can't make him drink). [You can give
someone the opportunity to do something, but you cannot force them to do it. The
second part of the idiom (but you can't make him drink) is often not actually said.]
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Truth will out! [The truth will always become known.]
Fixed statements
You can often hear and use these fixed statements in everyday conversation.
Get your skates on! (informal) = Hurry up!
- I'll believe it when I see it = I'm doubtful that it will happen.
- Mum's the word, (informal) = I promise not to tell a secret.
- Good riddance! (informal) = I'm happy something or someone has gone.
- Take it easy! = Calm down! Relax!
- Fair's fair, (informal) = Their behaviour is reasonable.
- So far, so good. = Things are going well up to this point
- Give me a break! (informal) = Stop criticising me!
Error Warning: It is best not to use clichés in formal writing or when you want to
express an original or complex idea.
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Exercise :
Answer these questions.
1 Who do we say has to sing before we can be confident something has finished?
2 What do we say is as good as a feast?
3 What side do we say you have to look on if you are trying to be optimistic?
4 What do we say there are plenty more of on the beach?
5 What do we say that ignorance is?
6 When do we say that it is easy to be wise?
7 Which animal do we say you can lead to water but not make drink?
8 What do we say there are plenty more of in the sea?
9 What do we say will happen with truth?
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