Trope (noun)

1. A figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression.
2. A common or overused theme or device in literature or art.
3. A figurative or metaphorical expression in any art form.

Origin:

From old french trope, from latin tropus, from ancient greek τρόπος (trópos, "turn, direction, way"), from τρέπω (trépō, "i turn"). cognate with latin torquere ("to twist"), english trope, trope.

Examples:

1. The use of light and dark imagery is a common trope in literature.
2. The trope of the tragic hero is a well-known element of drama.
3. The trope of the wise old mentor is a recurrent theme in fantasy literature.
4. The use of the trope of the "chosen one" is overused and cliched in fantasy literature.
5. The trope of the "damsel in distress" is a sexist trope that is often criticized in literature and film.