expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
well-thumbed; well-handled; showing signs of heavy use
Describes a physical object, especially a book, that has become grimy or worn from repeated handling. Literally 'with hand grime attached'.
彼の辞書は手垢のついたページが多かった。
His dictionary had many well-thumbed pages.
手垢のついた古い漫画を古本屋で見つけた。
I found a well-handled old comic at the used bookstore.
expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
Figurative extension: an idea, joke, or phrase that has been overused and lost freshness, as if soiled by too many hands.
その手垢のついたジョークには誰も笑わなかった。
Nobody laughed at that worn-out joke.
手垢のついた表現を避けて、新鮮な言い方
Let's avoid hackneyed expressions and look for fresh phrasing.
Phrase composed of 手垢 (hand grime) + の (possessive particle) + ついた (past form of つく 'to attach'). Literally 'with hand grime attached', it first described physical wear from handling and later extended metaphorically to overused ideas.