Is there any way to reduce the use of hackneyed cliches in ordinary communication?

There are a couple of phrases that come to mind right now. One is “you hit the nail on the head.” I hate that phrase! Not only is it used too much, but it has a kind of violent connotation that I think is inappropriate in most cases.

The other phrase is “think outside the box.” I always wonder: what box? Why is there a box? Why must we use this metaphor to indicate creativity is desired? I really hate the inference that creativity is anything but the status quo.

Ok. I’m ranting. And I originally thought of asking you guys to choose your most hated cliche and rant about it—and if you want to, go ahead. But I’m also interested in understanding how cliches become cliches and what, if anything, we can do to reduce their use.

How can we encourage people to use language more creatively? To come up with their own metaphors? Is it laziness that stops us? Lack of creativity? Poor education? Could it be possible that the use of cliches is the most efficient way to communicate? Oh Lord, please don’t let that be the case!