conventional phrase; stock expression; cliché; platitude
Refers to a set phrase or expression that is overused and lacks originality, often with a negative connotation.
His speech was full of clichés and was boring.
In job interviews, it's important to avoid stock phrases and speak in your own words.
Compound of 常套 (じょうとう, 'conventional, routine') and 表現 (ひょうげん, 'expression'). 常套 itself derives from 常 (じょう, 'usual') and 套 (とう, 'set, pattern').