Cliches - a writer's best friend or mortal enemy?

So, cliches.

Many people hate them, some love them. Some people think anyone using cliches should be burned at the stake ... (sorry), but regardless of which camp you are in, cliches are part of life. They happen all the time.

So how do writers include cliches in their stories, without being too cliche about it?

Let's re-write cliches ...

I'll start.

At a snail's pace = slow as molasses on a frozen spoon

 

Nice thread. Well played.

take the bull by the horns = stitch it up and rub on some ointment

 

I find cliches useful for children.

The bigger, dumb bully who wears a cutoff shirt and lashes out at the other children because of his abusive home-life.
The small-statured teachers pet who wears glasses and is allergic to everything.
The brave somewhat anthropomorphized dog who sometimes saves the day.

 

Slow as molasses up a hill (heard forty years ago!)

 

Both ways, barefoot, 10 miles, in a blizzard.

 

Oh I really like that one!

 

Take the bull by the horns= Suck it up and drive on

 

I'm surprised this thread hasn't garnered more attention. Ho hum.

that's the way the cookie crumbles = don't bet on storms and butterflies

 

I never promised you a rose garden. = I never promised you a best seller.

 

How apt!