Long-time readers of this blog have no doubt noticed my dislike of cliches. My dislike is a little extreme, but basically it comes down to this: chiches are often substitutes for (and obstacles to) genuine clear thinking and inventive writing. The New Book of Lists has a list of contradictory "proverbs" that partially illustrates the problem nicely.
Look before you leap.
He who hesitates is lost.
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Don't beat your head against a stone wall.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
Don't cross the bridge till you come to it.
Haste makes waste.
Time waits for no man.
You're never too old to learn.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
It's better to be safe than sorry.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Clothes make the man.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Opposites attract.
The pen is mightier than the sword.
Actions speak louder than words.
