How many times have you heard this?

There are lines in movies and songs, which people can't find an original way to say or just think it is cool to put some sort of twist on. Either way, they are used far too often and need to be disposed of.

Example #1

"Are you threatening me?" or "Is that a threat?"

There are really only two ways a person can respond to that..."Yes, indeed I am," or "Oops, I think you misunderstood me."

But still, the writers of so many movies and TV shows try to work out some bizarre contorted phrase in an effort to create a new response.

Example #2

"You are asking questions way above your pay grade."

Generally, this is used in action flicks where an altruistic investigator begins to uncover a multi-leveled government conspiracy. It is my guess, that the authors of such movies (at some point) realize how flawed and implausible their storyline is. So, slap this puppy in there and it's as though you have held up a sign saying "Nasty People Are Plotting, Just Trust Us."

Then, high-fives are tossed between writers, "Oh, that's good" is said several times, and now they can move on to the next scene.

Example #3

"If I knew then what I know now..."

Even in the most absurdly constructed mind, how does that make any sense at all? ...If only I was omniscient, I would have...

By and large, this line is used in music and the singer is whining about a past mistake. It's a grown-up's version of Bugs Bunny saying "If only I took that left turn at Albuquerque!"

Hell, you're writing a song (making loads of money) about the whole damned experience, so I don't think things worked out too badly...your ignorance included.

Example #4

"But we need you. You're the best in the field and know more about this than anyone."

For the most part, this is used in Sci-Fi films, especially where the world is coming to an end. There is always some disenfranchised researcher who had his work shunned by the scientific community, or he was mainstream and fell out of favor any variety of reasons.

This idea is so overly played and used up, it is about as good as ketchup-soiled napkin from a child's Happy Meal. Hearing this line, is a warning of things to come...a sub-plot involving stolen or scoffed at ideas, but in the end vindication...oh, and the world is saved...at the last possible second.

Wouldn't it be nice to once have the person come in and not succeed? Maybe, "Why the hell did we bring you here? The Earth is now doomed because we wasted time on you. Somebody kick this guy's ass before we die!"

Those are a few...feel free to add more.