The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word CLICHE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
L
I
C
H
E
More clues leading to the result CLICHE
- Mostly get on well with the fellow offering banality
- Old chestnut caught by a lot of another tree
- Old saw having lost its edge?
- Briefly hit it off … before he delivers trite observation
- See children’s fiction around — it’s definitely not original
- Old saw that’s lost its cutting edge
- Passing a poisoned chalice is commonplace
- Client checks only half completed? It’s so commonplace
- Company’s opening, plant not closing — that’s been said before
- Extremely civil European receives one with honour – nothing new here!
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "phrase that’s overused" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case phrase that’s overused = cliche.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CLICHE mean?
CLICHE 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).
- To use a cliché; to make up a word or a name that sounds like a cliché.