We all use clichés, often without realizing it—and there's a place for them. However, every cliché makes your words less and less visible. We've heard those words before so we tune out, though original twists on clichés can feel new and unexpected.

Indie authors should “think outside the bookstore.”

Some clichés, like “fly off the handle” and “right as rain” are obvious. Others are simple word pairs that get used together too often—like “driving rain” and “impenetrable fortress.”

Paste your speech into the box below or explore the Cliché-o-meter by clicking the “Load Sample Text” button.

Your text will be compared to a list of 750 English language clichés and overused word pairings. Click “Reveal Clichés” to see the clichés in your text highlighted.