ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stock phrase

idiom
Meaning

A phrase frequently or habitually used by a person or group, and thus associated with them.


Examples
SIMPLE

That catchphrase is his favorite stock phrase.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician often uses the same stock phrase to avoid answering difficult questions from the press.

COMPLEX

While the professor attempted to offer original insights, he frequently retreated into a tired stock phrase whenever a student challenged his core arguments.

Anchors to
Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    laughing stock

    An object of ridicule, someone who is publicly ridiculed; the butt of a joke.

  2. 02

    take stock

    To scrutinize or size up something; to assess a situation.

  3. 03

    turn a phrase

    To create a particular linguistic expression which is strikingly clear, appropriate, and memorable.

© 2026 English Reference