From ‘tip of the iceberg’ to ‘silver lining’, 7 overused English idioms – and phrases to use instead

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  • Even though it is important to use idioms in your writing, you need to be careful not to keep using the same tired stock phrases all the time
  • For example, instead of telling someone to ‘think outside the box’, you could say ‘explore new horizons’ or ‘push the envelope’
Kelly Fung |
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Teachers and readers get tired of seeing the same phrases all the time, so you have to switch things up. Photo: Shutterstock

It’s time to switch up your word palette! Overused stock phrases and clichés can make your writing seem unoriginal and lacking in creativity. This week, we will explore seven common stock phrases in English writing and offer fresh alternatives that can help elevate your writing.

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1. Thorny problem

Meaning: a tricky problem

Alternatives: predicament or challenging issue

Example: Alice found herself in a predicament when she realised she had lost her passport, leaving her stranded and unable to continue her journey through Europe.

2. Think outside the box

Meaning: to think creatively or unconventionally; to approach a problem or situation in a new way

Alternatives: push the envelope; explore new horizons; take an innovative approach

Example: By experimenting with new ideas, Aurora was able to push the envelope and create an extraordinary outfit for her year-end fashion show, which earned her a well-deserved award.

3. The tip of the iceberg

Meaning: refers to a small, visible part of a much larger, hidden problem or issue

Alternative: (something is just) a small part of a larger, underlying issue; a mere glimpse of a more significant challenge

Example: The company’s recent budget cuts are just a small part of a larger issue, which includes declining sales and market share due to fierce competition.

Your overuse of this phrase is just the tip of the iceberg. Photo: Shutterstock

4. Talk of the town

Meaning: refers to a topic, event, or person that has become the focus of attention and everyone is talking about it

Alternative: buzz; a hot topic

Example: The new restaurant has been generating a lot of buzz lately, with food bloggers and social media influencers raving about its innovative menu.

5. Every cloud has a silver lining

Meaning: refers to something good or positive that can be found in a difficult or challenging situation

Alternative: out of adversity comes opportunity

Example: Despite the challenges of immigrating to a new country, Jane decided to start her own business soon after arriving, and discovered that out of adversity comes opportunity.

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6. Actions speak louder than words

Meaning: what someone does is more important than what they say

Alternatives: it is not what we say that matters, but our actions; show, don’t tell; the proof is in the pudding; talk is cheap

Example: My brother always promises to wash the dishes, but he never does – he should learn that it is not what we say that matters, but our actions.

7. Don’t judge a book by its cover

Meaning: suggests you should not decide upon something based just on outward appearances

Alternative: appearances can be deceiving; looks can be deceiving

Example: You can never know a person’s character by their appearance. Some celebrities’ scandalous behaviour proves that looks can be deceiving.

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