Idioms and clichés are both phrases that are commonly used in language, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.
An idiom is a phrase whose meaning isn’t directly derived from the literal meanings of the individual words it contains. For example, the idiom “kick the bucket” means to die, but it doesn’t relate to actually kicking a bucket. Idioms often reflect the cultural background and linguistic heritage of a language, making them rich in meaning and not easily translatable.
A cliché, on the other hand, is an expression or idea that has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect. Phrases like “time heals all wounds” or “think outside the box” are considered clichés because they are so frequently used that they have become predictable and stale. While clichés can sometimes convey truths, they often lack the originality that makes writing engaging.
In summary, the key difference is that idioms are unique expressions with specific meanings, while clichés are overused phrases that may lack impact due to their commonality.