枠わくにはまる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

be stereotypical; fit a mold; conform to a pattern

Describes a person, idea, or work that fits neatly into a conventional category or stereotype, often with a negative nuance of lacking originality. Literally 'fit into a frame'.

• 彼かれの小しょう説せつはどれも枠わくにはまっていて、新しん鮮せん味みがない。

  All his novels are stereotypical and lack freshness.

• あの俳はい優ゆうはいつも同おなじ役やく柄がらで、枠わくにはまった演えん技ぎしかできない。

  That actor always plays the same type of role and can only give stereotypical performances.