The term "old chestnuts" refers to a cliched or overused phrase or story. When looking for antonyms to describe this phrase, one could use words like fresh, original, innovative, unconventional or creative. These words allude to the opposite of something that is stale and overused. Instead, they suggest something new and interesting, which captures the attention of the reader or listener. A fresh perspective on an old topic can breathe new life into it, making it relevant and engaging once again. Therefore, when looking to avoid old chestnuts, it is essential to be creative and look for new ways to tell a story or convey a message.