From ‘tip of the iceberg’ to ‘silver lining’, 7 overused English idioms – and phrases to use instead
- Even though it is important to use idioms in your writing, you need to be careful not to keep using the same tired stock phrases all the time
- For example, instead of telling someone to ‘think outside the box’, you could say ‘explore new horizons’ or ‘push the envelope’
Teachers and readers get tired of seeing the same phrases all the time, so you have to switch things up. Photo: ShutterstockIt’s time to switch up your word palette! Overused stock phrases and clichés can make your writing seem unoriginal and lacking in creativity. This week, we will explore seven common stock phrases in English writing and offer fresh alternatives that can help elevate your writing.
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1. Thorny problem
Meaning: a tricky problem
Alternatives: predicament or challenging issue
Example: Alice found herself in a predicament when she realised she had lost her passport, leaving her stranded and unable to continue her journey through Europe.
2. Think outside the box
Meaning: to think creatively or unconventionally; to approach a problem or situation in a new way
Alternatives: push the envelope; explore new horizons; take an innovative approach
Example: By experimenting with new ideas, Aurora was able to push the envelope and create an extraordinary outfit for her year-end fashion show, which earned her a well-deserved award.
3. The tip of the iceberg
Meaning: refers to a small, visible part of a much larger, hidden problem or issue
Alternative: (something is just) a small part of a larger, underlying issue; a mere glimpse of a more significant challenge
Example: The company’s recent budget cuts are just a small part of a larger issue, which includes declining sales and market share due to fierce competition.
4. Talk of the town
Meaning: refers to a topic, event, or person that has become the focus of attention and everyone is talking about it
Alternative: buzz; a hot topic
Example: The new restaurant has been generating a lot of buzz lately, with food bloggers and social media influencers raving about its innovative menu.
5. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: refers to something good or positive that can be found in a difficult or challenging situation
Alternative: out of adversity comes opportunity
Example: Despite the challenges of immigrating to a new country, Jane decided to start her own business soon after arriving, and discovered that out of adversity comes opportunity.
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6. Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: what someone does is more important than what they say
Alternatives: it is not what we say that matters, but our actions; show, don’t tell; the proof is in the pudding; talk is cheap
Example: My brother always promises to wash the dishes, but he never does – he should learn that it is not what we say that matters, but our actions.
7. Don’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: suggests you should not decide upon something based just on outward appearances
Alternative: appearances can be deceiving; looks can be deceiving
Example: You can never know a person’s character by their appearance. Some celebrities’ scandalous behaviour proves that looks can be deceiving.