Cliche vs. Metaphor — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 5, 2024
A cliche is an overused and predictable expression, lacking originality, while a metaphor creatively compares two unrelated things, implying similarity.
Difference Between Cliche and Metaphor
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A cliche often refers to phrases or expressions that have become overly familiar and lost their impact due to repeated use. These can include sayings like "only time will tell" or "easy as pie." On the other hand, a metaphor is a figure of speech that implies a non-literal similarity, such as "time is a thief," which suggests time can steal moments from us without actually stealing.
Cliches are typically avoided in creative writing as they can make the text feel uninspired and predictable. Whereas, metaphors are valued for their originality and the depth they add to the language, allowing writers to convey complex ideas in a relatable way.
While cliches can sometimes serve a functional role in speech by quickly conveying common ideas or sentiments, they are often seen as a sign of lazy writing. In contrast, metaphors require a level of creativity and thought to create and understand, often sparking deeper reflection or new perspectives.
Cliches are generally straightforward and understood by most people within a cultural or linguistic context. Metaphors, however, can vary in complexity and might require interpretation, as their meaning is not always immediately apparent.
The use of cliches can be culturally specific, relying on shared experiences or widely recognized scenarios. Metaphors, while also potentially cultural, can transcend cultural boundaries with their imaginative comparisons, making them more universally adaptable in literature and speech.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An overused phrase lacking originality and impact.
A figure of speech that implies a non-literal similarity.
Usage in Writing
Often avoided due to predictability.
Used to add depth and provoke thought.
Complexity
Generally simple and widely understood.
Can be complex and require interpretation.
Creativity Required
Low, as it involves repeated phrases.
High, as it involves novel comparisons.
Cultural Dependence
High, often based on shared experiences.
Lower, can be more universally understood with creative imagery.
Compare with Definitions
Cliche
An overused theme.
The movie's plot about rich girl, poor boy is a total cliche.
Metaphor
A tool for indirect comparison.
He's a night owl, working best in the quiet hours.
Cliche
A commonplace phrase.
He concluded with the cliche, what goes around, comes around.
Metaphor
A means to conceptualize abstract ideas.
Her voice was a soothing balm to his nerves.
Cliche
A stereotype in storytelling.
The villain in the story was the cliche evil stepmother.
Metaphor
A rhetorical device enhancing communication.
Life's obstacles are stepping stones.
Cliche
A trite expression.
Saying at the end of the day has become such a cliche.
Metaphor
An imaginative equivalence.
His home was a prison during the lockdown.
Cliche
A predictable remark.
Her speech was full of cliches like better late than never.
Metaphor
A symbolic representation.
In the poem, the world is described as a stage.
Cliche
A trite or overused expression or idea
"Even while the phrase was degenerating to cliché in ordinary public use ... scholars were giving it increasing attention" (Anthony Brandt).
Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that, for rhetorical effect, directly refers to one thing by mentioning another. It may provide (or obscure) clarity or identify hidden similarities between two different ideas.
Cliche
A person or character whose behavior is predictable or superficial
"There is a young explorer ... who turns out not to be quite the cliche expected" (John Crowley).
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable
Her poetry depends on suggestion and metaphor
When we speak of gene maps and gene mapping, we use a cartographic metaphor
Cliche
Usage Problem Clichéd.
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making an implicit comparison, as in "a sea of troubles" or "All the world's a stage" (Shakespeare).
Cliche
Alternative form of cliché
Metaphor
One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol
"Hollywood has always been an irresistible, prefabricated metaphor for the crass, the materialistic, the shallow, and the craven" (Neal Gabler).
Cliche
Alternative form of cliché
Metaphor
The use of a word or phrase to refer to something other than its literal meaning, invoking an implicit similarity between the thing described and what is denoted by the word or phrase.
Cliche
A stereotype plate or any similar reproduction of ornament, or lettering, in relief.
Metaphor
A word or phrase used in such implied comparison.
Cliche
A trite or obvious remark.
Metaphor
The use of an everyday object or concept to represent an underlying facet of the computer and thus aid users in performing tasks.
Desktop metaphor; wastebasket metaphor
Cliche
A trite or obvious remark
Metaphor
(intransitive) To use a metaphor.
Metaphor
(transitive) To describe by means of a metaphor.
Metaphor
The transference of the relation between one set of objects to another set for the purpose of brief explanation; a compressed simile; e. g., the ship plows the sea.
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity
Common Curiosities
Why are metaphors used in literature?
Metaphors are used in literature to add depth and insight, making descriptions more vivid and meaningful.
How do cliches affect communication?
Cliches can make communication dull and predictable, reducing the effectiveness of the message.
What is a cliche?
A cliche is an overused expression or idea which has lost its original impact or novelty.
What is a metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
How do metaphors influence reader understanding?
Metaphors can challenge readers to think more deeply about a text by presenting abstract ideas in tangible forms.
How can one avoid using cliches?
By thinking creatively and striving for originality in expression.
Can a metaphor become a cliche?
Yes, if a metaphor is overused, it can become a cliche.
Are cliches ever useful?
Yes, cliches can efficiently convey common ideas and emotions quickly, though they lack originality.
What are examples of effective metaphors?
Describing someone's persuasive speech as "honeyed words" is an example of an effective metaphor.
What are examples of common cliches?
Phrases like "time will tell" and "in the nick of time" are common cliches.
How can metaphors be misunderstood?
If the metaphorical comparison is too obscure or culturally specific, it may be misunderstood.
Do metaphors vary by culture?
Yes, metaphors can depend on cultural context for their imagery and significance.
What makes a cliche negative?
Its predictability and lack of originality, which can make speech or writing seem uninspired.
Can cliches be revitalized?
Cliches can be revitalized by altering them in a creative way, making them feel fresh and new.
How do metaphors differ from similes?
Metaphors imply a comparison directly, while similes use "like" or "as" to compare things explicitly.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
