cold turkey

/kˈəʊld tˈɜːkɪ/

/kˈoʊld tˈɜːki/

[noun] [phrase]

Cold turkey

[NOUN]

an unpleasant state experienced by drug addicts as a result of sudden withdrawal of a habit-forming substance

a blunt expression of views

cold turkey

[PHRASE]

in a manner that is sudden, unexpected, and not gradual

What is the origin of the idiom "cold turkey" and when to use it?

While the exact origin of the idiom "cold turkey" is not definitively known, it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century in the United States. The phrase initially gained popularity in the context of addiction, particularly referring to the abrupt and complete withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. It is often used in conversations about overcoming addiction, sharing personal experiences of quitting, or offering advice on quitting habits.

Examples

1. Many banks have cut commercial builders off cold turkey.

2. Last thing the comander needs is you giving him a cold turkey.

3. Finally, I just went cold turkey and stopped buying anything but healthy food.

4. Stopped cold turkey.