A cliché is a tired, overworked phrase that sucks the life out of writing. These are cliché phrases; a needle in a haystack, quiet as a mouse, crack of dawn, tough as nails, naked truth, hear a pin drop, and so on. Authors use clichés when they don’t have the time or ability to come up with more precise or more meaningful language. Although clichés are a sort of “communication shorthand,” they rely on stereotypical thinking for their meaning. A writer who uses clichés is relying on unoriginal, worn-out thinking patterns to carry a message. If the message is important, fresh language will make a stronger impression than old, overused phrases. Original language stimulates thought and heightens the reader’s concentration. Moreover, a fresh image rewards an attentive reader.