Some books have been accused of having more cliches than Carter has pills. Many writers fall back on them because they are comfortable and common. Just listen to a news broadcast - the script is full of them!
Despite the fact that everybody's doing it, many editors recommend striking cliches from your books. Why is that?
They're annoying. Often, cliches are downright annoying. There's nothing worse than reading through a paragraph of riveting text to hit a worn, tired cliche. Ugh! Instead of giving us what we expect, excite us with something new, which leads to the next point...
They're boring. We've heard all the cliches, we want to hear something new! What else can the calm cook be as cool as? What other way can you describe a heated debate or gut-wrenching sound? As a writer you have language at your disposal, don't settle for a boring phrase that's been done to death.
They're lazy. Anyone can use cliches to jazz up their work. Good writers know how to use language more creatively. Plus, cliches don't always fit in with the "show don't tell" idea. When you go overkill on your cliches, you negate your ability to put your wit on display.
They're old. Many of the cliches we regularly use have been around since before WE were even around, or our parents. Think twice about inserting geriatric phrases into your futuristic drama.
Using cliches, especially those that rhyme or use sweet-sounding illiteration, can be very tempting at times. If you're only using one or two here and there, that's probably ok. But if you start reading one after another, it's time to cut back.
