What is rubber stamp?

Rubber stamps (also called clichés) are expressions used by habit every time a certain type of situation occurs. They are used without thought and do not fit the present situation exclusively. As the term indicates, they are used much as you would use a rubber stamp. Because they are used routinely, rubber stamp communicates the effect of routine treatment, which is not likely to impress readers favorably. Such treatment tells readers that the writer has no special concern for them that the present case is being handled in the same way as others. In contrast, words specially selected for this case are likely to impress. They show the writer’s concern for an interest in the readers. Clearly, specially selected wording is the better choice for producing a goodwill effect. Some examples of rubber stamps you have no doubt heard before are listed below. These phrases, while once quite appropriate, have become stale with overuse.

Last but not least

Learning the ropes

Leave no stone unturned

To add insult to injury