Don't avoid what works

We're told to avoid cliches. They don't improve writing. They make writing boring and predictable.

That doesn't mean to avoid what works, however.

Having a loyal partner is useful to protagonists for a reason. Having scary scenes take place in the dark heightens tension. Putting the thing or person a hero loves the most in danger is just logical motivation.

Yes, for sure, avoid peppering your writing with cliches. But don't avoid tactics and tropes that work. There's a reason writers keep using the same magic over and over again. Find the mix of tradition and innovation that works for you.