Cold turkey

Meaning

The idiom "cold turkey" refers to a person who suddenly abstains from a particular behavior or habit, without any prior notice or warning. It's typically used to describe someone who has suddenly given up smoking, drinking alcohol, or indulging in other unhealthy behaviors.

Usage

• She decided to quit smoking cold turkey and hasn't had a cigarette since.
• He tried to give up caffeine cold turkey but couldn't make it through the first day without feeling jittery.
• She decided to take a break from social media cold turkey for a month to focus on her work.
• The company implemented a new policy that required all employees to stop using their phones during work hours cold turkey.
• He tried to quit smoking cold turkey but ended up relapsing after only a few days. The usage of the idiom "cold turkey" can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe someone who has suddenly given up a behavior or habit, regardless of whether it's positive or negative. For example, someone who has started exercising every day cold turkey or someone who has stopped eating junk food cold turkey.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "cold turkey" is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories. One theory suggests that the phrase comes from the practice of injecting prisoners with a solution of cold water and turkey feathers to make them feel uncomfortable and discouraged. Another theory suggests that it comes from the idea of someone who has suddenly given up their addiction or habit, feeling like they're "going cold turkey" or experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Synonyms in English

• Cold abstinence
• Stopping short
• Abruptly ending
• Swiftly quitting
• Quickly leaving behind

Synonyms in other languages

• French - "abandonnez-vous brusquement" (abruptly leave)
• Spanish - "dejar de hacer" (to stop doing)
• Italian - "fare pausa" (to take a break)
• German - "aufhören" (to cease)
• Dutch - "stoppen" (to stop)

Similar Idioms

• carrot and stick

• charley horse

• clam up