Thursday, January 1, 2026

Are clichés and idioms the same thing?

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Language

Is it an aphorism, idiom, or cliché?

Some familiar phrases sharpen your writing while others quietly dull it. Learn how to tell an aphorism from an idiom — and why spotting a cliché matters more than you think.

crumpled paper balls and a paper with text PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

E very January, we're flooded with well-meaning advice: "be true to yourself," "start fresh," "work smarter, not harder." Some of it is genuinely helpful, and some of it just sounds wise because we've heard it so many times. For writers and careful speakers, the challenge isn't avoiding familiar language altogether — it's knowing when a figure of speech will be helpful in conveying your message. 

A well-chosen aphorism can sharpen an idea, and a colorful idiom can make it memorable. A cliché, on the other hand, can drain it of life. As the new year invites reflection and resolution, it's a good moment to choose our words with a little more intention. How can you tell the difference between an aphorism, an idiom, and a cliché?

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Face with Uneven Eyes and Wavy Mouth emoji

Face with Uneven Eyes and Wavy Mouth

Meaning: Represents a dizzy or disoriented expression through a wobbly smile and uneven eyes and eyebrows.


Evolution: When it was added in 2018, this emoji quickly became popular for representing disoriented states, such as being intoxicated or feeling confused and overwhelmed. Different platforms show varying degrees of wooziness in their designs.


Usage: [Text to partner after a long day:] Just sat through a 3 hour meeting about meetings 🥴

Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory by Raphael Bob-Waksberg

Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory

The author of this collection of short stories also created the adult animated series "Bojack Horseman," an absurd comedy about a washed-up sitcom star who happens to be a horse. "Someone Who Will Love You…" delivers the same dark humor and clever social commentary with unexpectedly profound stories. Some are as short as one page, but they will leave you thinking — and feeling — about them long after you've finished the book.

Samantha Abernethy, Word Smarts Writer

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Why Do We Call It 'the Elephant in the Room'?

You've likely used this metaphor for the obvious thing no one wants to talk about, but do you know where the original elephant came from?

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