What is the term for an overused expression that has lost its originality?

Study for the Reading Endorsement Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term for an overused expression that has lost its originality is a cliché. Clichés are phrases or expressions that have been used so frequently that they have become predictable and lack impact. As a result, they often fail to convey the original meaning or emotion intended because they have become too familiar to the audience. They can diminish the effectiveness of writing or speech due to their excessive use. In contrast, a proverb typically conveys a traditional truth or advice and may not necessarily have lost its originality. An axiom is a self-evident truth that doesn’t rely on overuse, and an idiom refers to a phrase whose meaning is not deducible from the individual words, often remaining unique and vivid in its expression.

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