Clichés nullified

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Shopworn phrases which nullify their original meaning

• We are running a pilot scheme to assess remote-controlled aircraft
• It doesn't hurt to have knuckledusters handy
• I'd do anything to be idle
• There's nothing like a good imitation
• I'd die to have a long life
• I'm sick of being healthy
• When I was here she was always there for me
• I don't know much about art, but I know what I like about late vorticism
• A burial service' Over my dead body!
• I wouldn't be seen dead at a Turner Prize show
• He warned the graffiti vandals that the writing was on the wall
• 'Er indoors' She's Out
• If there's one thing I won't tolerate, it's intolerance
• Taken in the round, it was fair and square
• I never say 'never'
• His guide dog was the apple of his eye
• I choose not to be selective
• This keeping to the straight and narrow is driving me round the bend
• The lack of heating made my blood boil
• We are constantly dogged by our neighbour's cat
• Flat racing has its ups and downs
• I've made up my mind to be one of the don't knows
• To be perfectly frank it's none of your business
• One day we'll realise you can't predict the future
• I'm an unswerving believer in scepticism
• I won't hear a word against freedom of speech
• I've got a bone to pick with vegetarians
• I may be blowing my own trumpet, but I'm an excellent violinist
• There's no two ways about it, there's a fork in the road ahead
• I'm sorry, I've nothing to apologise for
• You've got to give him credit, he's never needed an overdraft
• If we had a level playing field, it would be downhill all the way
• I think we should draw a line in the sand and smooth things over
• At the end of the day you've got to get out of bed in the morning
• Let's all sit down together and see where we stand
• This earache's a real pain in the neck