Overdone and unrealistic phrases in books

[ImJustMadAboutSaffron]

Phrases and things I have read in several books that I don't believe anyone ever says, or does:

"You're incorrigible" - ever said this or had it said to you? Me neither.
"X took Y by the elbow" - never seen, or done this.
"Z raised an eyebrow" - I tried this. It's impossible. I haven't had Botox, either.
"Yes. No. I don't know" - overdone and boring (and lazy)
Older people - 50-somethings and 60-somethings - being portrayed as technophobes, getting confused by "that interwebby thing" and wearing slacks from the Classic range at M&S
Older people calling everyone "dear"

Seriously, none of this happens in real life! (Does it?)

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Not unless that teenager was raised entirely in a cave by Jacob Rees Mogg, no.

Here’s one that I always notice. “She rubbed at/dabbed at her head/arm/other body part”.

You don’t rub at something, you just rub it. Don’t you? I’m reading a book now, am on page 70 and the protagonist has “rubbed at” something 3 times. Head/brow/kitchen counter.

I imagine the emotion theasuarus is responsible for many of these. Authors are often told to show not tell, and in character based stories there is a lot of interaction to get across. Some are in my first ever first draft but will be edited.

I dislike the focus on female bodies and the size of them. In fantasy females are always red headed, green eyed with freckles. I'm trying to limit the physical description of my female protagonist. It's her character I want people to be interested in.

I can raise my eyebrows. Both at once but not one by itself. Can you?

When DCs were about 12 we were talking about raising one eyebrow at the dinner table. None of us can. Until DC1 said "let me try" and she could just do it. Left only. But - bam! - she could do it. Never tried before. And I'm insanely jealous

I can do it when my Botox wears off

And it happens naturally to one of my DSes when he makes a cheeky comment. His left eyebrow just jumps up - it started when he was a toddler. I find it adorable he’s 22 now but still my baby