“Quit cold turkey” is an idiomatic expression that means to stop doing something abruptly and completely, without any gradual reduction or easing off. This phrase is most commonly used in reference to quitting habits such as smoking, drinking, or drug use, but it can apply to any situation where someone stops a behavior or activity suddenly, often without preparation or assistance. The term “cold turkey” is believed to have originated in the 1920s, with the idea of a person’s skin becoming cold and clammy, resembling the skin of a turkey, as a physical reaction to withdrawal from substances.
Sample Sentences:
- After years of smoking, he decided to quit cold turkey, and it was one of the hardest things he ever did.
- She quit cold turkey and stopped drinking without seeking any professional help.
- The doctor advised against quitting cold turkey, as it could lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
- Many people fail when they try to quit cold turkey because they underestimate the challenge.
- He gave up junk food cold turkey and immediately started eating a healthier diet.
- After the breakup, she decided to quit cold turkey and delete all contact with her ex.
- To improve his health, he quit cold turkey on his caffeine habit, experiencing intense headaches for a few days.
- I tried quitting social media cold turkey, but I found myself checking it compulsively.
- The athlete quit cold turkey from his gaming habits to focus more on his training.
- They both quit cold turkey after realizing their unhealthy relationship with work, taking a much-needed break.
Synonyms:
- Quit abruptly
- Stop immediately
- Give up suddenly
- Cold cessation
- Cut off entirely
- Go cold
- Stop dead in one’s tracks
- Cut the habit
- Cease without warning
- Discontinue instantly
Antonyms:
- Gradually reduce
- Ease off
- Taper down
- Phase out
- Slow down
- Wean off
- Continue with
- Stick with
- Persist
- Keep going
Phrasal Verbs:
- Cut down on (to reduce or decrease gradually, opposite of quitting cold turkey)
- Phase out (to discontinue something gradually)
- Wean off (to gradually reduce the use or involvement in something)
- Give up on (to stop doing something entirely, but not necessarily cold turkey)
- Knock off (to stop, often used in a more informal context)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Cold turkey (to quit abruptly and completely)
- Hit the brakes (to stop something suddenly, often used for habits or activities)
- Draw the line (to put a firm stop to something)
- Pull the plug on (to end something, usually abruptly)
- Put the brakes on (to stop an activity or behavior completely)
- Cut to the chase (to stop unnecessary actions and get straight to the point, similar to quitting abruptly)
- Take the plunge (to decide to stop doing something suddenly, especially with a significant commitment)
- Throw in the towel (to surrender or stop trying, similar to quitting)
- Make a clean break (to completely sever ties with something or someone)
- Turn over a new leaf (to make a sudden, significant change, often referring to quitting a bad habit)
