Imagine you’re knee-deep in a thrilling novel, the protagonist is about to uncover a massive conspiracy, and then BAM! The author drops a “needle in a haystack.” Really? After pages of building suspense, you give us that? It’s like serving instant noodles at a gourmet dinner. Readers deserve better. They deserve fresh, engaging prose that keeps them on the edge of their seats.

Clichés make writing predictable. No one likes a story where they can see every plot twist from a mile away. If your character is as “brave as a lion” and “strong as an ox,” you might as well write, “I’m not even trying.” Give your characters unique traits and descriptions that make them stand out, not blend into the literary wallpaper.

And let’s talk about the originality factor. Using clichés is like painting by numbers. You’ll get a picture in the end, but it won’t be a masterpiece, and it certainly won't be original. Great writing is about creativity and innovation. It’s about pushing boundaries and finding new ways to express old ideas. When you rely on clichés, you’re basically saying, “I’m out of ideas.” 

That said, Clichés have their place...in a parody. If you’re writing something that’s meant to poke fun at overused phrases, then by all means, go for it. Otherwise, steer clear. Think of clichés like fast food. Sure, it’s quick and easy, but it’s not nutritious. Your writing needs substance to keep readers coming back for more.

So, what’s the alternative? Think outside the box! (cliché bomb intended). Seriously, though, challenge yourself to come up with fresh metaphors and similes. Instead of “cold as ice,” maybe your character’s demeanour is “cold enough to make penguins shiver.” Instead of “light as a feather,” try “light enough to float on a summer breeze.” It takes more effort, but the payoff is worth it.

In summary, clichés are the enemy of good writing. They’re lazy, predictable, and just plain boring. So next time you’re tempted to write “as easy as pie,” remember this: pie might be easy, but great writing isn’t. It’s a labour of love that demands your best. Your readers will thank you for it.

Here are 19 clichés that make me squirm and why:

1. "All is fair in love and war" - Overused and unrealistic, trivialises complex situations.
2. "At the end of the day" - Vague and unoriginal, often used as filler. 
3. "Brave as a lion" - Lazy character description, lacks originality.
4. "Calm before the storm" - Predictable, used too often to foreshadow trouble.
5. "Cat got your tongue?" - Dated and rarely applicable in modern dialogue.
6. "Cold as ice" - Uninspired metaphor for coldness, lacks creativity.
7. "Fit as a fiddle" - Cliché description of health, sounds old-fashioned.
8. "In the nick of time" - Overused to create artificial tension.
9. "Love is blind" - Oversimplifies complex emotions and relationships.
10. "Only time will tell" - Vague and unhelpful, doesn't add depth.
11. "Raining cats and dogs" - Old-fashioned and doesn't make literal sense.
12. "Rome wasn't built in a day" - Overused and uninspiring, often used as a cop-out.
13. "Strong as an ox" - Common and boring character trait description.
14. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" - Overused and predictable, lacks nuance.
15. "Think outside the box" - Ironically, this cliché is often used in unimaginative contexts
16. "Throw under the bus" - Overused in modern dialogue, feels lazy.
17. "Time heals all wounds" - Simplifies complex healing processes, feels dismissive.
18. "To be or not to be" - Iconic but overused, especially out of context.
19. "When it rains, it pours" - Overused to describe bad luck, lacks originality.

Remember: Avoiding clichés will help keep your writing fresh and engaging. Readers appreciate unique expressions and creative descriptions that bring new life to familiar concepts.