What does “Go Cold Turkey” mean?
"Go Cold Turkey" means to suddenly stop doing or using something, especially a habit or addiction, without gradually reducing it.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After years of smoking, he decided to go cold turkey and quit altogether.
Example
She realized she needed to go cold turkey with her caffeine addiction.
Example
Instead of slowly cutting back, he chose to go cold turkey and give up alcohol completely
Is “Go Cold Turkey” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Go 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 “Go Cold Turkey” effectively in context?
You can use "Go Cold Turkey" to describe the act of quitting something abruptly and completely, without any gradual reduction. It is often used when referring to habits or addictions that are difficult to break. For example, if someone decides to quit smoking without using nicotine patches or gradually reducing their cigarette intake, you might say, 'He's going cold turkey.'
- 1Smoking Cessation
After years of smoking, he decided to go cold turkey and quit altogether.
- 2Addiction Recovery
She realized she needed to go cold turkey with her caffeine addiction.
- 3Alcoholism
Instead of slowly cutting back, he chose to go cold turkey and give up alcohol completely.
Similar phrases to “Go Cold Turkey”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Go Cold Turkey” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Go Cold Turkey" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. It may have been derived from the phrase 'talk turkey,' which means to speak frankly or directly. The term 'cold' in this context refers to the sudden and abrupt nature of stopping a habit or addiction.
Is “Go Cold Turkey” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Go Cold Turkey" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used when discussing the process of quitting a habit or addiction abruptly and completely.
What tone does “Go Cold Turkey” have?
"Go Cold Turkey" conveys a tone of determination and decisiveness. It implies a strong commitment to quitting and overcoming a habit or addiction.
Can “Go Cold Turkey” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Go Cold Turkey" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized idiom that describes the act of quitting something abruptly. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, 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 go cold turkey and quit sugar.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "go cold turkey"!' to imply readiness to quit something abruptly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- quit abruptly
- stop all at once
- give something up cold turkey
- cease immediately
- abandon completely
Antonyms
- gradually reduce
- taper off
- wean off
- ease out
- phase out
