What are phrases that are used repeatedly yet do not convey real meaning?

Clichés refer to phrases that have been overused to the point where they have lost their original impact or freshness. They often occur in everyday language and can seem trite or predictable because they are so common. Examples include phrases like "time will tell" or "think outside the box." In communication, relying too heavily on clichés can make speech or writing less engaging and may lead to a failure to convey meaningful or original thought.

In contrast, idioms are phrases where the meaning is not deducible from the individual words, while slang refers to informal words or expressions that are specific to a particular group or culture, often evolving rapidly. Expressions can be more broad and encompass various types of sayings, not all of which are necessarily clichéd. Thus, the reason clichés are identified in this instance is their tendency to be repetitive without adding significant value to the communication.