In news writing and politics, the phrase on steroids has become the go-to modifier for any new thing that is bigger and more advanced than a previous version. The phrase works as a metaphor, but it’s been so extensively overused during the last few years that it’s lost all rhetorical strength. At this point, on steroids is trite and should give way to fresher alternatives.
Examples
Think of it as Halloween “on steroids” celebrated over an entire month. [The Atlantic]
“Wisconsin on steroids,” was how Professional Firefighters New Hampshire President David Lang described it. [The Union Leader]
He says a failed state with no clear leadership, could make Yemen the new Afghanistan – on steroids. [Fox News]
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