Idiom vs. Cliché
Main DifferenceThe main difference between Idiom and Cliché is that Idiom bears a positive impression, whereas Cliché bears a negative impression.
Difference Between Idiom and Cliché
Idiom vs. Cliché
An idiom can be taken as a constant phrase, whereas a cliché can be considered as a variable phrase.
Idiom vs. Cliché
An idiom is defined as an expression that possesses its apparent idea different from its real idea, while a cliché is defined as an expression that possesses its apparent idea relating closely to its real idea.
Idiom vs. Cliché
An idiom cannot be assumed as they have strong logic behind them, but a cliché can be understood relatively easier as it is commonly used phrase in daily routine.
Idiom vs. Cliché
An idiom maintains its freshness and novelty all the time. On the other hand, clichés have become dull and dreadful due to their exhaustive and extreme usage in everyday language.
Idiom vs. Cliché
An idiom does not lack original thought. Conversely, a cliché is devoid of common sense and meaningful notions.
Idiom vs. Cliché
Idioms take figurative meaning but no literal meaning, while cliché possesses both figurative as well as literal meaning.
Idiom vs. Cliché
Idiom's usage gives positive vibes; on the flip side, cliché's usage gives negative vibes.
Idiom vs. Cliché
Idiom's types include transparent and opaque idioms, whereas cliché's types include figurative and literal clichés.
Idiom vs. Cliché
Using idioms in writing is reflected as a sign of good quality writing. Contrarily, using clichés in writing, is taken as a sign of poor quality writing.
Idiom vs. Cliché
Some idioms can be deliberated as figurative clichés, but no cliché can be referred to as an idiom.
Idiomnoun
A manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, person, or group of people.
Clichenoun
a trite or obvious remark
Idiomnoun
A language or language variety; specifically, a restricted dialect used in a given historical period, context etc.
Idiomnoun
An established expression whose meaning is not deducible from the literal meanings of its component words, often peculiar to a given language.
Idiomnoun
An artistic style (for example, in art, architecture, or music); an instance of such a style.
Idiomnoun
(programming) A programming construct or phraseology that is characteristic of the language.
Idiomnoun
a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language
Idiomnoun
the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people;
the immigrants spoke an odd dialect of Englishhe has a strong German accentIdiomnoun
the style of a particular artist or school or movement;
an imaginative orchestral idiomIdiomnoun
an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
Comparison Chart
| Idiom | Cliché |
| A fixed phrase or saying with its figurative meaning different from its apparent meaning is called an idiom. | An overused statement lacking the original meaning is called cliché. |
| Complete Sense | |
| Conveys complete sense | Does not convey a complete sense |
| Usage | |
| Used with need | Excessive misuse |
| Figurative Meaning | |
| Has figurative meaning | Has figurative meaning |
| Literal Meaning | |
| No literal meaning | Has literal meaning |
| Original Meaning | |
| Expresses original meaning | No original meaning at all |
| Irritation Factor | |
| Does not exist | Exists |
Idiom vs. Cliché
An idiom is a fixed phrase, while cliché is a mutative phrase. The expression having a symbolic meaning different from its precise meaning is called idiom, whereas an overused opinion that shows the absence of original thought is called cliché.
Idiom has a figurative or abstract meaning; it lacks factual meaning. On the other hand, cliché has symbolic as well as accurate meaning. Idiom usage is considered positive, while cliché usage is deemed to be negative.
Idioms are used as they are created, while clichés have become dreary and repetitive due to their overuse. Idioms cannot be changed into another language, whereas clichés can be transformed into any language according to their hunches.
An idiom can also be presented as the unique and peculiar characteristics of every language, culture, and society. On the other hand, clichés are the terminologies or phrases that were considered novel earlier in times but now are considered draggy and exhausting because of extreme usage of them.
The idiom “It’s no skin off my nose” means it doesn’t affect me at all. It cannot be interpreted as if it is related to skin or nose. This example implies that idioms have figurative meanings hidden in them but no literal meaning at all. Conversely, in cliché, the phrase “Last but not least” is a very nice saying, but due to its excessive misuse in daily grunge of life, it has lost its novelty and freshness.
What is Idiom?
Fixed expressions having abstract meaning, but no exact meaning are called idioms. Idioms describe things in a distinctive way that makes them interesting. An idiom’s meaning cannot be inferred from its constituent words.
An idiom does not mean the way its words are describing. The concealed meaning behind them is abstract and literal. i.e., “Ali was pulling his brother’s leg.” This idiom does not mean that Ali was pulling the leg; it means Ali was deceiving his brother.
Examples
- At the drop of a hat – means quickly
- Cry over spilled milk – means good luck
- Break a leg – means good luck
- Hold your horse – means wait
- Running cats and dogs – means raining heavily
- Piece of cake – means an easy way
- Cost an arm and leg – means very expensive
- Bite your tongue – means confusion
Types
- Opaque Idiom: The idioms whose literal meaning is not linked with the real meaning are called opaque idioms. A person cannot understand the real meaning of opaque idioms by their words. i.e., “To smell a rat” means something is mistaken.
- Transparent Idiom: The idioms which are understandable a bit and their apparent meaning can be related to their real meaning, are called transparent idioms. i.e., “laying the cards on the table” means to make everything revealed, which makes sense with the literal meaning.
What is Cliché?
A cliché is a very typical and common expression that was originated at the changing times having situation related meaning in it. Over time, frequent usage of these phrases makes them lose their newness and uniqueness.
Some clichés refer to the thoughts which are true somehow. Some clichés refer to the ideas which are stereotypes and unlogical. Some cliches may point toward facts and figures, but the point is whatever kind of they are, they are still in use in our daily lives.
It is considered that clichés mostly convey negative intellect. Clichés can be understood easily as compared to idioms as they are commonly used.
Examples are; As fit as a fiddle, A matter of time, Mum’s the word, Beauty is only skin deep, Frightened to death, Read between the lines, Fall head over heels, As brave as a lion, etc. All these examples are easily understandable as they are used commonly.
Types
- Figurative Cliché: The clichés having no literal meaning are called figurative clichés. These types of clichés do not make sense at all, even if they are translated into another language. i.e., “It is raining cats and dogs.” The meaning of heavily raining is not clear by this cliché, so it’s a figurative cliché.
- Literal Cliché: The clichés having literal meaning are called literal clichés. If these clichés are translated to any other language, they can convey their meaning. i.e., “All is well that ends well.”
ConclusionThe phrases needing vocabulary skills to understand them and are not commonly used in language are called idioms. In contrast, the phrases which have lost their innovation and peculiarity due to extreme practice in common language are called clichés.
