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A cliché is dead matter. It causes gangrene in the prose…

“A cliché is dead matter. It causes gangrene in the prose around it, and sooner or later it eats your brain,” quote by Verlyn Klinkenborg
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“A cliché is dead matter. It causes gangrene in the prose around it, and sooner or later it eats your brain,”

Verlyn Klinkenborg

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Clichés are lifeless, spreading decay in writing and eventually dulling the writer’s mind.

In simple terms: Clichés rot writing and mind.

Key Takeaway

Avoid clichés for clearer thinking.

Themes

writing creativity mental health

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical advisory

When to use this quote

  • editing
  • academic writing
  • creative workshops
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

literary criticism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do clichés ever help you communicate quickly?
  • How can you replace a cliché with fresh language?
A Different Perspective

Clichés can sometimes convey shared meaning efficiently.

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