Exploring Writing 2nd Edition by John Langan

Exercise 119

Underline the cliché in each of the following sentences. Then substitute specific, fresh words for the trite expression.
EXAMPLE
My boyfriend has stuck with me through thick and thin.
through good times and bad______________________________
1. As the only girl in an otherwise all-boy family, I got away with murder.
__________________________________________________________
2. When I realized I'd lost my textbook, I knew I was up the creek without a paddle.
__________________________________________________________
3. My suggestion is just a shot in the dark, but it's better than nothing.
__________________________________________________________
4. Janice got more than she bargained for when she offered to help Larry with his math homework.
__________________________________________________________
5. Bob is pushing his luck by driving a car with bald tires.
__________________________________________________________
6. On a hot, sticky midsummer day, iced tea or any frosty drink really hits the spot.
__________________________________________________________
7. Nadia thanks her lucky stars that she was born with brains, beauty, and humility.
__________________________________________________________
8. Anything that involves mathematical ability has always been right up my alley.
__________________________________________________________
9. Your chance of buying a good used car from that dealer is one in a million.
__________________________________________________________
10. Even when we are up to our eyeballs in work, our boss wonders if we have enough to do.
__________________________________________________________