Why do cliches make me want to scream?

[Fishgeek]

For some reason in writing and the spoken word cliches make me want to scream. I honestly don't know why. Perhaps it was ingrained in me via an English high school teacher or college prof?

Being self employed I have the TV on in my work area to help with the boredom. Anyway, I heard once again the phrase, "It's not a matter of if but when." Perhaps there isn't a better way to say it but it makes me come unglued!

Anyone one else have an overused phrase that bothers them? If so what?

And no I'm far from a perfect writer but...

[James A. Ritchie]

I have teh same reaction. Sometimes, with generic cliches, there really is no better way to say something, but most of the time, cliches are just poor writing.

[mammamaia]

the mere use of cliches doesn't bother me to such an extent, but what does do that for me is when people who should know better [e.g., journalists/anchors/etc.] misuse cliches and even mis-word them!

[Laycrew]

I have one in particular I can't stand-- at the end of the day.... I cringe every time.

[Oldtimer]

The one I can't stand is "It is what it is." It's a pretty recent entry into biz jargon but I believe it's already considered a cliché.

[updog]

Cliché characters bother me more than cliché phrases do, but I admit I cringe when characters "turn on their heels."

[James A. Ritchie]

[stranger09]

The world is a terrible place. Thats why. Also this answer is no cliché at all.

[updog]

[stranger09]

I think the term James is looking for is "Phraseme", which basically is an idiomatic phrase.