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The Overuse and Misunderstanding of the Common Cliche

Tucked deeply into the foundation of the English language many figures of speech have managed to survive the test of time. Lurking in the shadows and kept alive by repetition some phrases have remained curiously familiar to each generation. There is no magic formula that can explain why or when a saying becomes overworked and tired but somewhere between catchy and cliche they simply lose effectiveness and ultimately their power.

Most people don´t know the origin of the catch-phrases uttered throughout their lineage however they too will no doubt perpetuate their use. If we were to peel back the layers and expose the basic intention behind some expressions they would hardly fit in this 21st century, however over time their meaning has been manipulated and stretched to encompass a more modern lifestyle.

Let´s take a gander at some of the most common cliches A to Z and their known origin. You decide whether they are worthy or not of continued use. There are no right or wrong answers, simply individual taste.

Alive and kicking: 19th century - this term was used by fishermen to emphasize the freshness of their catch.

Blessing in disguise: 18th century - describes a bit of bad luck that eventually reveals the turning up of some form of good fortune.

Coast is clear: 18th century - used by smugglers to comment on the absence of coastguard from the shore.

Draw a blank: 19th century - refers to being unsuccessful such as drawing a blank lottery or raffle ticket.

Ends of the earth: 19th century - the world was believed to be flat and refers to the most remote places on earth.

Fall on deaf ears: 15th century - means to be totally disregarded or ignored.

Grass is always greener: 19th century - is used to indicate that some other situation is preferential to one´s own.

Half the battle: 18th century - referring to the completion of the first portion of an endeavor that will make the rest somehow easier.

If worst comes to the worst: 16th century - meaning if the most disadvantageous circumstances should occur.

Jump down someone´s throat: 19th century - it emphasizes a reply in a very sharp or angry way.

Keep one´s fingers crossed: 20th century - refers to making the sign of the cross in order to divert bad luck or misfortune.

Let the cat out of the bag: 19th century - to reveal a secret. The origin refers back to a fairground trick where buyers were sold a cat in a bag with the promise that it was a pig. They wouldn´t realize they were duped until it was too late - as they let the cat out of the bag.

Method in one´s madness: 19th century - was used to explain that although one´s actions seem foolish there was an underlying purpose to it.

Neither here nor there: 16th century - refers to something of no relevance.

On the wagon: 20th century - to abstain from taking part in alcoholic drink. Originally the saying was "on the water wagon".

Play with fire:19th century - describes the act of doing something dangerous.

Quiet as a mouse: 16th century - used to emphasize the silence of something. In origin it refers to the necessity of a mouse to remain silent in the presence of a cat.

Red tape: 19th century - refers to the unnecessary bureaucracy and the delays they will cause. In origin it refers to the reddish ribbons that lawyers used to tie their documents.

continued....

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Written by: BankerQt
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