What does “Fall off the wagon” mean?
"Fall off the wagon" means to return to a bad habit or addiction after a period of abstinence.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After six months of sobriety, he fell off the wagon and started drinking again.
Example
She had been doing well with her diet, but fell off the wagon and indulged in a whole pizza.
Example
He was determined to quit smoking, but fell off the wagon and lit up a cigarette
Is “Fall off the wagon” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Fall off the wagon” 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 “Fall off the wagon” effectively in context?
You can use "Fall off the Wagon" to describe someone returning to a bad habit or addiction after a period of abstinence. It emphasizes the idea of losing self-control and succumbing to temptation. For example, if a friend has been trying to quit smoking but starts again, you might say, 'I thought he had quit for good, but he fell off the wagon and started smoking again.'
- 1Addiction Recovery
After six months of sobriety, he fell off the wagon and started drinking again.
- 2Dieting
She had been doing well with her diet, but fell off the wagon and indulged in a whole pizza.
- 3Quitting a Bad Habit
He was determined to quit smoking, but fell off the wagon and lit up a cigarette.
Similar phrases to “Fall off the wagon”:
Slip up
To make a mistake or revert to a previous behavior
Example
She had been doing well with her diet, but she slipped up and ate a whole cake.
To return to a previous state or behavior, especially a negative one
Example
After months of therapy, he backslid and started experiencing depression again.
To succumb to the desire or urge to do something, especially something one is trying to avoid
Example
Despite her efforts to save money, she gave in to temptation and bought an expensive pair of shoes.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Fall off the wagon” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Fall off the Wagon" is uncertain. However, it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the United States. The 'wagon' refers to the water wagon, which was a vehicle used to spray water on dusty roads. During the temperance movement, people who pledged to abstain from alcohol would symbolically climb onto the water wagon. Falling off the wagon meant breaking the pledge and returning to drinking alcohol.
Is “Fall off the wagon” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Fall off the Wagon" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where someone returns to a bad habit or addiction after a period of abstinence.
What tone does “Fall off the wagon” have?
"Fall off the Wagon" conveys a tone of disappointment or concern. It is often used to express empathy or understanding towards someone who has struggled with maintaining their commitment to change.
Can “Fall off the wagon” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Fall off the Wagon" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
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, 'After months of sobriety, he fell off the wagon and started drinking again.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Oops, I fell off the wagon!' to imply a relapse into a bad habit.
