26 Clichés You Shouldn't Be Ashamed Of Using Gallery

Clichés are overused, sure — but it's only because they're so relatable. A cliche is a phrase or expression that is used so much in conversation, literature, songs, and more, that it's lost any hint of originality. But you know what else isn't original? The human condition! And these clichés were meant to apply.

When you use a cliché, people tend to know exactly what you mean. These adages have been around for a long, long time. Though they may not be new and exciting lingo, everyone from your best friend to your grandma knows what you're trying to express when you say, "Don't cry over spilt milk." However, someone in your life might have shamed you out of using them — perhaps an English teacher or a screenwriting professor. Clichés can be seen as boring and uncreative, but that's just because they've been around forever.

The Daily Meal has thought up 26 different clichés that you definitely know or have heard used before but might have stopped using. They're relatable, they're easy to remember, and they're fun to say. Who cares what your ninth grade literature teacher told you when you were penning that essay? Don't be embarrassed to check out these 26 clichés you shouldn't be ashamed of using.

Calling yourself or someone else "a fish out of water" is a great way of explaining that you (or they) don't belong in whatever situation you've found yourself in.

If you've ever seen a photo that illustrates what you're trying to say faster than you can say it, then it's definitely worth 1,000 words. This cliché also works great if you're catching someone in a lie with photographic evidence!

Don't be embarrassed to say you're avoiding an ex, a co-worker, or a restaurant where you got food poisoning "like the plague." People in the 1300s were working super hard to avoid contracting the bubonic plague, and if you're working that much to avoid someone or something, it means you're probably doing everything you can.

You should definitely use this cliché when your friends are putting you down for being attracted to whatever celebrity you secretly have a crush on.

This is probably one of the most commonly used clichés, and that's why you should never be embarrassed to say it. If you feel like browsing your new boyfriend's ex-girlfriend's Instagram page and think to yourself "curiosity killed the cat," always be armed with the second half of that adage, which is "satisfaction brought it back."

The only reason you shouldn't be ashamed of using this cliché is because it finally means you're a parent. I can eat chocolate while watching "Law & Order: SVU" at 9 p.m. — but you can't, little Jimmy! Now go to bed!

You should use this cliché because it's actually pretty helpful. Just like you can't scoop spilled milk back up into the carton, it doesn't do any good to anguish over something that can't be helped anymore.

Although this cliché can sting, sometimes it's kind of true. No, it's not applicable to everything, but it does work for both positive and negative situations!

This is the perfect cliché for when you have no idea what to say about a situation anymore. You got fired, you got dumped, you got a bad haircut. What can you do but shrug and say, "It is what it is."

You don't actually have to kiss in order to "kiss and make up." You shouldn't be ashamed of using this cliché, though, because it's actually kind of cute.

While it isn't actually the best medicine — medicine is the best medicine — laughter can do wonders for your spirit. This cliché is great to use, because it reminds yourself and others that cracking jokes and spreading smiles can be and should be a part of the healing process.

You may have seen this cliché printed on a decorative plaque or poster, because it's a great saying that you shouldn't be afraid of using. It's incredibly relatable, and you will sound very wise saying it.

"Love Is blind" is an incredibly important cliché. When you love someone, you're blind to a lot of the bad or ugly things about them. Love isn't just blind, love blinds you.

If you've ever found someone in a bad mood trying to bring others down, you may want to remember this cliché and say it to them. Or remember that laughter is the best medicine and try to bring them out of their funk!

Don't be ashamed of using this cliché in our consumer-based society. It's true!

This cliché is a lovely way to describe someone you think is incredibly brave. It's not only flattering, it's descriptive. Consider using it to describe someone who jumps out of planes, swims with sharks, or confronts their ex boyfriend via text!

This might be the most frequently used cliché on the planet, and that's why you shouldn't be ashamed of using it! Plus, if you're in the habit of using clichés... it may be hard to get out of using this one. Remember, it takes 21 days to make or break a habit and only 1 second to say "old habits die hard" out loud.

Bust this phrase out when you have no idea how things are going to be.

Our favorite kind of party, next to costume and cocktail, is a pity party. Don't be embarrassed to announce that you're having one — everyone will know exactly what you mean and either join you or leave you alone!

You can dramatically shout this cliché at someone who is oblivious to the subtext of the situation. If they can't deduce the obvious, you shouldn't be ashamed of using this phrase to tell them to.

Stop rolling your eyes, this saying is great. It's optimistic and inspiring! Plus, people don't hate it — it's often embroidered on pillows on Etsy!

If you're early, you frequently get the best things. You'll feel nothing but virtuous using this cliché after you snag the best parking space or the freshest bagel.

In the words of April Ludgate from the TV show "Parks and Rec": "Time is money, money is power, power is pizza, pizza is knowledge." But really, in the time it took you to read this, you could have been making money to buy pizza or something.

This cliché is so awesome that Kelly Clarkson used it in a song. There is nothing wrong with spreading this adage, as it reminds you that no matter what you're going through, it's going to make you stronger.

This cliché about strength tells you to make moves. To truly measure your strength, you'll take action!

A millennial cliché favorite, YOLO means "you only live once." It's supposed to inspire you to go after what you want, try new things, and seize opportunities! Speaking of clichés and opportunities, here are 50 travel clichés that are actually worth experiencing.

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