Cold turkey: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Cold turkey” mean?

"Cold turkey" means to suddenly stop doing something, especially a habit or addiction, without any gradual reduction or assistance.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After years of smoking, he decided to quit cold turkey.

Example

She stopped drinking coffee cold turkey and experienced withdrawal symptoms.

Example

Instead of weaning off the medication, he chose to stop cold turkey

Is “Cold turkey” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Cold turkey” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Cold turkey” effectively in context?

You can use "Cold Turkey" to describe the act of abruptly stopping a habit or addiction without any gradual reduction or assistance. For example, if someone decides to quit smoking without using nicotine patches or gum, you could say, 'He quit smoking "cold turkey".'

• 1. Smoking Cessation

  After years of smoking, he decided to quit cold turkey.

• 2. Dietary Changes

  She stopped eating sugar cold turkey and experienced intense cravings.

• 3. Medication Withdrawal

  Instead of gradually reducing the dosage, he chose to stop taking the medication cold turkey.

Similar phrases to “Cold turkey”:

Go cold turkey

To abruptly stop doing something, especially a habit or addiction, without any gradual reduction or assistance.

Example

He decided to go cold turkey and give up alcohol completely.

Quit cold

To suddenly stop doing something, especially a habit or addiction, without any gradual reduction or assistance.

Example

She quit coffee cold and experienced caffeine withdrawal symptoms.

Stop dead in one's tracks

To abruptly stop doing something, especially a habit or action, without any gradual reduction or assistance.

Example

He stopped drinking soda dead in his tracks and switched to water.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Cold turkey” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Cold Turkey" is uncertain. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly from the idea that a cold, unappetizing turkey served to a drug addict or alcoholic going through withdrawal would symbolize the sudden and uncomfortable nature of quitting without any assistance.

Is “Cold turkey” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Cold Turkey" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe the abrupt cessation of a habit or addiction without any gradual reduction or assistance.

What tone does “Cold turkey” have?

"Cold Turkey" conveys a tone of decisiveness and determination. It implies a strong commitment to quitting or stopping something immediately, even if it may be challenging or uncomfortable.

Can “Cold turkey” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Cold Turkey" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized expression that describes the sudden cessation of a habit or addiction. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She decided to quit smoking "cold turkey".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm going to quit "cold turkey"!' to express a sudden decision to stop something.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• quit abruptly
• stop suddenly
• cease immediately
• give up all at once
• abandon completely

Antonyms

• gradually reduce
• taper off
• wean off
• ease out
• assisted cessation