hackneyed expression

[/ˈhæknid ɪkˈsprɛʃən/]
nounpl: hackneyed expressions
expressão batida
1. A phrase or saying that has been used so often that it has lost its original impact, freshness, or meaning; a cliché
The phrase 'at the end of the day' has become a hackneyed expression in business presentations.
A expressão 'no final das contas' tornou-se uma expressão batida em apresentações de negócios.
2. An overused figure of speech or idiomatic phrase that lacks originality or creativity
Using 'love is like a rose' is a hackneyed expression in romantic poetry.
Usar 'o amor é como uma rosa' é uma expressão batida na poesia romântica.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, hackneyed expressions are generally criticized in professional writing, journalism, and creative work as they signal lazy thinking or lack of effort. However, in casual conversation and advertising, they may be used intentionally for comic effect or to create a sense of familiarity. Brazilian Portuguese speakers often use 'expressão batida' or the anglicism 'clichê' when discussing writing quality in academic or professional settings.
NYC Slang
played out
Synonyms / Sinônimos
clichétrite phraseplatitudeoverused expressionworn-out phrasebanal expression
Antonyms / Antônimos
original expressionfresh phrasenovel expressioncreative expression

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
expressão batida
most common translation; 'batida' literally means 'beaten' or 'worn out'
Brazil
expressão clichê
direct loan from English, widely understood in modern Brazilian usage
Brazil
frase feita
more colloquial alternative meaning 'ready-made phrase'
Portugal
expressão gasta
'gasta' means 'worn' or 'spent'; preferred in European Portuguese

Related Words

clichéidiomplatitudestereotypetritebanalcommonplace

Related Idioms & Phrases

beat a dead horse
same old story
nothing new under the sun
tired old cliché
worn to death
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