In one line
An idiom is a fixed expression whose meaning differs from its literal words, while a cliché is an expression used so often that it has lost its impact.
Explained simply
'Burning the midnight oil' does not mean setting oil on fire; it means studying late at night. That is an idiom. 'At the end of the day' is so overused in meetings that people stop hearing it. That is a cliché. Some expressions are both.
Technically, idioms are non-literal, culturally fixed phrases; you cannot work out their meaning from individual words. Clichés are stale phrases or ideas that once were fresh. CAT/GRE/TOEFL-level questions test idiom meanings, and writing guidelines advise avoiding clichés in formal writing.
How it works
| Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a blessing in disguise | something that seems bad but turns out good |
| burn the midnight oil | work late into the night |
| call it a day | stop working for the day |
| hit the nail on the head | describe exactly what is right |
| back to the drawing board | start a plan again after failure |
| a piece of cake | very easy |
| cut corners | do something cheaply or carelessly |
| in the same boat | in the same difficult situation |
Common clichés to avoid in formal writing: at the end of the day, think outside the box, last but not least, in today's fast-paced world, needless to say, at this point in time, win-win situation.
Use: idioms suit informal speech and some business conversation; in formal or technical writing, use plain, precise words. Replace clichés with specific statements.
Quick example
Cliché-heavy: 'In today's fast-paced world, we must think outside the box. Last but not least, this is a win-win situation.' Improved: 'Production cycles are shorter than before, so we need new testing methods. The proposal also cuts costs for both the supplier and us.' Idiom question: 'After the prototype failed, the team went back to the drawing board.' Meaning: started designing again.
Common mistakes
- Translating idioms literally or mixing two idioms ('hit the nail on the bush').
- Filling essays and letters with clichés to sound impressive.
- Using idioms in technical reports where international readers may not understand them.
How MU asks it
Asked as MCQs ('The idiom "a blessing in disguise" means...'), 'Use the following idioms in sentences' (1 mark each), or 'Replace the clichés' items. Give the meaning precisely and a sentence that shows the meaning clearly.