<p>How detrimental is using cliche in essays? I just wrote an essay and I think it sounds a bit cliche. I am suppose to write about how i reacted towards a negative interaction with someone and I would not let that person copy my answers for tests and homework. I inputed the quote “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.” Does this scream cliche?</p>
<p>Maybe.</p>
<p>A cliche is something that is very commonly used and/or known. Your essay is supposed to help distinguish you from other applicants. If you use expressions that everyone else uses, and you offer no particular insight or personal take on those expressions, then you’ve made yourself look like everyone else. You then have a McEssay, see</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html[/url]”>www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html</a></p>
<p>But if you can offer a personal, detailed, honest, revealing take on the cliche, then you’ve done well.</p>