Go cold turkey
/ɡoʊ koʊld ˈtɜːrki/informalUK · US · AU · IE · CA
What does “Go cold turkey” mean?
Go cold turkey means to suddenly and completely stop an addictive habit or behavior instead of slowing down gradually.
To go cold turkey means to end a habit right away without cutting back first. People often use it for substances like tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, but it can also apply to everyday habits like drinking coffee or using social media.
Stopping a habit this way is usually very difficult and uncomfortable. Using the phrase suggests that the person is taking a tough, direct, and painful path to change.
When do people say it?
People say this when someone tries to quit a habit like smoking or drinking all at once.
“He tried to smoke fewer cigarettes each day, but in the end he decided to go cold turkey.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US and AU and IE and CA.
Where does it come from?
The exact origin is not completely settled. One popular theory says it comes from the cold, goosebumped skin of a person in drug withdrawal, which resembles a plucked turkey.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Go cold turkey” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11