Clichés

I speak using clichés all the time.  I didn't realize this until recently.  At my new job, 99% of the employees are French.  They all speak like 4 languages.  At work I have to really check my use of clichés at the door. Ha.  I have found that many American phrases are lost in translation with the French.  In one of my first staff meetings I said, "We are really behind the 8-ball on this event."  And they all giggled.  No one would tell me what was funny.  I explained the American phrase or cliché for "behind the 8-ball" refers to the game of pool or billiards and the position of the cue ball in a tough spot...behind the 8-ball.  More giggles.  OK.  I'm pretty sure they think I am an avid drug user.  So anyway... this same thing has happened a few more times.  The other day I said, "trying to find a needle in a haystack".  Giggles.  I'm sure they think... what in the hell is she talking about someone shooting up in a barn?  And another drug reference.  Or "Not to beat a dead horse."  I'm sure they thought....this girl is crazy, likes to hurt animals...and what is up with her obsession with farms and farm animals?  And just today I said, "It's raining like cats and dogs out there."  Again.  More animals and totally lost in translation.  Even I don't know what the hell it really means to rain like cats and dogs.  Hum.