cliché
idea which has become overused to the point of losing its original meaning or being irritating
damsel in distress
theme in storytelling, stock character; a noble Lady in need of rescue, traditionally from dragons
Dark Lord
stock character; an evil, very powerful, often godlike or near-immortal sorcerer
think of the children
a cliché that evolved into a rhetorical tactic
playing God
acting like a deity with immense control over people's lives
Good old days
cliché
Battle with cancer
cliché
further research is needed
a common phrase at the end of scholarly research articles
evil laughter
stock manic laughter by a villain in fiction
literary trope
use of figurative language – via word, phrase, or even an image – for artistic effect in literary works
girl next door
archetype of a cute, kind, unassuming, and honest woman or girl, often in a romantic story
Once upon a time
fairytales opening lines
strong female character
stock character