Idiom
back on the sauce
Informal
Meaning
To start drinking alcohol again after a period of sobriety or abstinence. It usually implies that the person has a problem with alcohol or is drinking excessively.
Examples
“After staying sober for six months, he unfortunately went back on the sauce during the holidays.”
“The local tabloids were quick to report that the former movie star was back on the sauce after he was spotted at a late-night lounge.”
“The protagonist's tragic arc is defined by his inability to maintain his recovery, eventually falling back on the sauce as a coping mechanism for his professional failures.”
Examples
simple
“After staying sober for six months, he unfortunately went back on the sauce during the holidays.”
contextual
“The local tabloids were quick to report that the former movie star was back on the sauce after he was spotted at a late-night lounge.”
complex
“The protagonist's tragic arc is defined by his inability to maintain his recovery, eventually falling back on the sauce as a coping mechanism for his professional failures.”
Origin
The term 'sauce' has been used as a slang synonym for alcohol since at least the mid-19th century, likely referring to the liquid nature of both substances or the way alcohol 'seasons' or alters one's state. The specific phrase 'on the sauce' became popular in the early 20th century, particularly in American English, to describe habitual drinking. Being 'back' on it suggests a relapse into old, unhealthy habits.
Key words
Related idioms
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated