Is It an Aphorism, Idiom, or Cliché?
Every 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...
