Picture this: You’re in a debate about a complex issue. As you’re about to make a point, your opponent cuts you off with, “It is what it is.” Boom! Conversation over. This is a thought-terminating cliche in action.
They sound meaningful, but in reality, they’re superficial ways to kill good communication. Let’s discuss why they’re bad news and how to remove them from your writing and conversations.
Thought-terminating Cliches
Thought-thinking cliches are generic, ready-made phrases that shut down critical thinking and discussion. Many of them sound like common sense or folk wisdom. But instead of providing opportunities for deeper conversation, they close it off.
Here are a few examples:
- Everything happens for a reason.
- Only God can judge me.
- To each their own.
- Let’s agree to disagree.
- Life is unfair.
- Rules are rules.
- Boys will be boys.
- You win some, you lose some.
- It could be worse.
- What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
- Try to look on the bright side.
- If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton, who describes such cliches as the “language of non-thought” popularized the term.
Why You Should Care
Though many use thought-terminating cliches without thought, some people do use them for sinister purposes. They’re particularly harmful in situations that require strong social control.
Researchers began studying these clichés after noticing their use by religious groups, governments, and other social groups to control discussions. By shutting down critical thinking, these phrases make it easier to steer conversations, reinforce their hold on people, and promote uniform thinking.
Think of how corporations often hide behind phrases like “We’re a family here,” or “That’s just company policy.” Or how cults default to “Just have faith,” and “It’s God’s will,” when faced with an inquiry.
More often though, people use them to cut off unwanted questions, avoid thinking, or score superficial points when losing an argument. It’s much easier to throw these kinds of remarks than to make a point. When that happens, discourse often devolves into petty verbal fights.
But these cliches are not always harmful, just mostly. You can use them to end uncomfortable discussions that are no longer productive for both sides. Or maybe you just aren’t up for conversation.
As a Writer
Thought-terminating cliches pop up everywhere, even in writing. If you’re not careful, they will sneak into your work and drag it down.
Because they’re generic, they’ll make your dialogue sound fake, and any arguments feel weak. This leaves characters underdeveloped, the plot shallow, and the tension lacking—especially during key moments when your core themes should shine through.
For nonfiction, you would end up playing it safe and avoid diving into deeper insights or offering fresh perspectives. That will leave your readers unsatisfied and feeling like you haven’t done justice to your topic.
Think of how much more substance your work, whether fiction or nonfiction, will have if you avoid such cliches in your writing.
How To Avoid Thought-Terminating Cliches
Here are a few ways you can recognize, avoid, and correct thought-terminating cliches.
1. Look for patterns.
Thought-terminating cliches often show up during moments of discomfort or disagreement. If a conversation is getting heated, that’s when you’re most likely to use or hear them. This applies to both writing and conversation.
If a person or character feels frustrated, they will likely react similarly. Pay attention to these moments of tension so you’re better prepared to navigate through them.
2. Be actively curious.
Resist the urge to shut down a conversation. Instead of throwing out a cliche, view the topic from the other person’s perspective. Ask, “Why do you feel that way?” or “Can you explain more about that?” Open-ended questions like these foster further discussion.
Be an active listener. Curiosity will keep the discussion going and hopefully create opportunities for deeper understanding.
Apply your critical thinking skills. Challenge their statements, even if its only in your mind. Consider other perspectives. And look for evidence to support a statement, rather than settling on accepted wisdom.
3. Be okay not knowing.
Sometimes you don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay! But when in the heat of the moment, it’s hard not to back down. So you shut the conversation instead.
Instead of throwing out a cliche, reframe your answer instead. “I don’t know, but let’s figure it out together,” is more productive and less combative than “That’s just how it is.”
4. Be specific.
A big part of bad communication is vague or generic answers. Broad statements don’t exactly promote a better understanding of a topic. They also make for boring writing.
When you get specific, you naturally avoid thought-terminating cliches. Think of a more thoughtful and detailed explanation and do follow-up questions. Use concrete examples and sensory details.
If someone throws a cliche at you, gently challenge it by asking for more details. And if they recognize you’re listening, they’ll be more productive with their answers.
And don’t shy away from complexity. People can handle nuanced statements. However, you need to practice delivering them in a clear manner. Use simple words and familiar situations to get your point across.
5. Use fresh metaphors.
Cliches are worn-out expressions whose meanings many people either misinterpret or barely understand. Use fresh phrases that fire up the imagination and are relevant to your audience.
Draw from your own experiences and observations. Your statements will feel unique and authentic. This gives them weight and makes the other person hesitate to dismiss it quickly.
Or you can expand on oft-repeated phrases to give them additional context and fresh life. It doesn’t have to be catchy or poetic. Just make sure your added context is something the other person can jump on to continue the conversation.
Wrapping it Up
Next time you’re tempted to use thought terminators, pause. There’s probably a better, more interesting way to express yourself. Ditching them opens up a world where your conversations are richer and your writing gains depth and authenticity.
However, the goal isn’t to completely eradicate these phrases from your vocabulary. Sometimes a well-placed cliche can be effective. The key is to use them consciously and sparingly for better discussions.
What other thought-terminating cliches do you know? Share them below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Truisms: Obvious Truths or Rhetorical Device?
- Maxims: Wisdom in Concise Statements
- Zeugma: How One Word Can Create Connections Between Multiple Ideas
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
