cold turkey
A sudden and complete withdrawal from a dependent substance, especially a drug.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He quit smoking cold turkey last month.”
“After years of heavy drinking, she decided to stop cold turkey rather than cut down gradually.”
“The recovering addict, trembling in the clinic's harsh light, had chosen to go cold turkey rather than accept the slower, medicated path to sobriety.”
The origin of the phrase is subject to various explanations, several of which are detailed in the Wikipedia entry for cold turkey. The term first appeared in the early 20th century.
- 01
a cold day in July
The time of occurrence of an event that will never happen.
- 02
blow hot and cold
To behave inconsistently; to vacillate or to waver, as between extremes of opinion or emotion.
- 03
catch a cold
To contract a cold.
- 04
cold cash
Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.
- 05
cold chills
Feelings of fear.
- 06
cold comfort
Much less reassurance, consolation, aid, or pleasure than one needs or desires.
- 07
cold day in Hell
The time of occurrence of an event that will never happen.
- 08
cold fish
A heartless individual; a person lacking empathy and emotion.
Last updated August 10, 2026