Understanding Clichés: Overused Expressions

The question asks for the term that describes an expression which:

• Deviates from ordinary usage.
• Is used specifically to call attention to itself.
• Has been overused so much that it feels unoriginal or hackneyed.

Let's examine the given options to see which one best fits this description:

Analyzing the Options

Euphemism

A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh, blunt, or embarrassing. For example, saying "passed away" instead of "died". This does not match the definition of being overused and hackneyed; the primary purpose is softening language, not necessarily repetition leading to staleness.

Synecdoche

Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part represents the whole, or the whole represents a part. For instance, using "wheels" to refer to a car. This is a specific type of figurative language focusing on representation, not on overuse leading to staleness.

Metonymy

Metonymy is a figure of speech where a concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with it. For example, using "the Crown" to refer to the monarchy. Like synecdoche, this is about association, not overuse.

Cliché

A cliché is defined as a phrase, idea, or element of artistic work which has become overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect, even to the point of being trite or irritating. This definition perfectly aligns with all aspects mentioned in the question: deviating from ordinary usage (initially), used for attention (initially), and becoming overused and hackneyed.

Identifying the Correct Term

The definition provided in the question, emphasizing deviation from ordinary usage for attention and subsequent overuse leading to a hackneyed quality, directly points to the literary term 'Cliché'. Phrases like "think outside the box" or "at the end of the day" started as potentially interesting expressions but became clichés due to excessive repetition.

Therefore, the expression that deviates from ordinary usage to call attention to itself and has been overused so often that it is felt to be hackneyed signifies a Cliché.