-In general I try to avoid cliché expressions (unless they help building the voice of a certain character). In particular in dystopian, where colloquial expressions are reminiscent of our own culture. Whenever I can I make up colloquial expressions ;)
This are the two things I can think about with regards to dystopian/apocalypse. BUT I would read anything if the voice is captivating, if the descriptions are wonderful, if the world is original, if there is humor and raw, real feelings :)
For example, the great majority of YA in any genre has some sort of love triangle. I think that’s old and trite, but hey, if it’s well done I so fall for it! I have some of that in my books too ;P
A great example of a trite plot that captivated me was “Carry On”, by Rainbow Rowell. I mean, it’s a rip-off of Harry Potter, really. One third into the book I was about to throw my Kindle out of the window, but then, she puts such a spin on it. Her humor came through the pages, the feels, oh my God the feels….I loved it!