To parlay something is to use or develop it in order to get something else of greater value. Parlay is often used with the word into.

// He hoped to parlay his basketball skills into a college scholarship.

// She parlayed $5,000 and years of hard work into a multimillion-dollar company.

Something is considered hackneyed when it is not interesting, funny, etc., because of being used too often; in other words, it's neither fresh nor original.

// The new crime drama's characters are shallow stereotypes who engage one another in hackneyed dialogue.

Cerulean describes things whose blue color resembles the blue of a clear sky.

// The painting depicts leafless trees bordering a cerulean lake.

Secular describes things that are not spiritual; that is, they relate more to the physical world than the spiritual world. The word also carries the closely related meaning of "not religious."

// Each year, Ian directed his charitable giving toward secular concerns like affordable housing and arts programming for teens.

// In her autobiography, the actor mentions that her education in parochial school was not so different from that of secular institutions.

To cozen someone is to deceive, win over, or induce them to do something by coaxing or trickery.

// The organization cozened scores of people by persuading them to participate in a fraudulent investment scheme.

Something, such as a position, excuse, or situation, that is described as untenable cannot be defended against attack or criticism.

// The scientists considered their colleague's theory to be bold but ultimately untenable.

Something described as gelid, such as the weather or a person’s demeanor, is literally or figuratively extremely cold or icy.

// She decided to move down south after experiencing Chicago’s gelid winters throughout college.

To fulminate is to complain loudly or angrily about something.

// The editorial fulminated against the corruption in the state government that has been recently uncovered.