cliche origin stories

The cliche 'let the cat out of the bag' has a rather odd origin. It may date back to medieval markets. Sometimes, a piglet was sold in a bag, but a dishonest seller might substitute a cat for the piglet. If the cat was let out of the bag, the trick was revealed. And 'dead as a doornail' might come from the fact that doornails were hammered in so firmly that they were thought to be lifeless, and thus the phrase was born to describe something completely lifeless or dead.

Sure. 'All that glitters is not gold'. This comes from Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'. It's a warning that things that seem valuable on the surface may not be in reality. Another is 'a penny for your thoughts'. In the past, a penny was more valuable, and this was a way of asking someone what they were thinking in a somewhat charming way.

One common element is the chosen one. There's always a character who is destined to save the world. For example, in many fantasy stories like 'The Lord of the Rings', Frodo is the chosen one to destroy the ring. Another element is the wise old mentor, such as Gandalf. And magical creatures are also prevalent, like elves, dwarves, and dragons. These elements are often repeated in cliche fantasy stories as they create a sense of familiarity and appeal to the readers' expectations.

Well, a typical thing in cliche love stories is the couple being from different social classes. This creates drama and tension. And then there's the idea of the'soulmate' where they feel like they are made for each other no matter what. Often, there's a misunderstanding that almost breaks them up but in the end, love conquers all.

Definitely. Cliche love stories have a timeless charm. Even though we know what's going to happen, we still get caught up in the emotions. They are popular because they touch on basic human emotions like love, jealousy, and hope. For example, many rom - coms today still use cliche love story elements and are very successful.

To write good non-cliche stories, start by observing the world around you. Notice the little details and the unusual. Then, let your imagination run wild and combine those observations in unexpected ways. And don't be afraid to challenge the norms of storytelling.

Cliche ghost stories remain popular because they tap into our basic fears. Everyone is a little afraid of the unknown and death, and these stories play on that. Also, they often have elements that are easy to visualize, like the haunted house or the ghostly figure. They're passed down through generations, becoming part of our cultural fabric, and we keep retelling them because they still manage to give that spooky thrill.

One common element is the haunted house. It's often old, dilapidated, and has a spooky atmosphere. Another is the apparition, like a white - sheeted figure or a shadowy form. Also, there are usually strange noises, such as creaking floors or moaning winds.

In cliche Christmas stories, there is often a character who is a bit of a Scrooge at first, like Ebenezer Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol'. This person is initially grumpy about Christmas but then has a change of heart. Christmas lights are everywhere in these stories, brightening up the dark winter nights. And the act of giving, whether it's a small kindness or a big present, is a central theme that spreads the Christmas spirit.

They're popular because they're relatable. Most people have been to high school and can recognize the characters and situations. It's like seeing a bit of your own past in the story.