cliché vs watchword

cliché

noun
  • Something, most often a phrase or expression, that is overused or used outside its original context, so that its original impact and meaning are lost. A trite saying; a platitude. 

  • A stereotype (printing plate). 

verb
  • To use a cliché; to make up a word or a name that sounds like a cliché. 

adj
  • clichéd; having the characteristics of a cliché 

watchword

noun
  • A word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle, belief, or rule of action; a rallying cry. 

  • A prearranged reply to the challenge of a sentry or a guard; a password or signal by which friends can be known from enemies. 

How often have the words cliché and watchword occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )