cold turkey

USAGE SUMMARY

"cold turkey" is an idiom that is commonly used in written English.
The phrase is usually used to describe an abrupt and sudden withdrawal from an addiction or an activity that one is strongly committed to. For example, "After years of smoking, I quit cold turkey last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Cold turkey.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I quit cold turkey".

The New York Times - Sports

Cold turkey lasted a day.

The New York Times

Cold turkey isn't an option.

The New York Times

Then they stopped, cold turkey.

The New York Times

Pure cold turkey".

The Guardian

Great for cold turkey.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I went cold turkey".

The Guardian - Sport

It was cold turkey, basically.

The Guardian - Sport

Cold turkey with Naltrexone implants?

The Guardian - Music

She was going cold turkey.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about overcoming an addiction or habit, consider using "cold turkey" to convey the abruptness and intensity of the withdrawal process. This idiom adds vividness and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cold turkey" when describing a gradual or phased withdrawal. The phrase specifically implies a sudden and complete stop, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold turkey" functions as an adverb or noun, denoting the abrupt cessation of something, usually an addiction or habit. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing how someone quit smoking or other dependencies suddenly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "cold turkey" is a very common phrase used to describe the abrupt cessation of an addiction or habit. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase functions as both an adverb and a noun, emphasizing the suddenness and completeness of stopping a behavior. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve its use for instances where an action is halted immediately, as it loses its meaning when applied to gradual processes. Consider phrases like "abrupt cessation" or "sudden withdrawal" as potential alternatives, and remember to consult a healthcare professional for advice about quitting an addiction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quitting abruptly

Highlights the sudden nature of quitting.

sudden withdrawal

Focuses on the act of removing oneself from a dependency.

ceasing immediately

Highlights the immediate nature of ceasing an activity.

complete cessation

Underscores the thoroughness of stopping.

breaking the habit immediately

Directly addresses the habit being stopped.

abrupt cessation

Emphasizes the suddenness of stopping something.

immediate discontinuation

Highlights the lack of delay in stopping.

instant termination

Focuses on the finality of the stopping action.

stopping all at once

A more literal description of the action.

going without delay

Emphasizes the immediacy of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "cold turkey" in a sentence?

You can use "cold turkey" to describe suddenly stopping an addictive substance or behavior. For example, "She decided to quit smoking "cold turkey" after years of trying to cut back gradually."

What's an alternative to saying "cold turkey"?

Instead of "cold turkey", you could say "abrupt cessation", "sudden withdrawal", or "immediate discontinuation" to convey a similar meaning of stopping something suddenly.

Is it better to quit "cold turkey" or gradually?

Whether quitting "cold turkey" is better than quitting gradually depends on the individual and the substance or behavior. Some people find that a sudden stop is more effective, while others may benefit from a more gradual approach. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

What are the potential downsides of going "cold turkey"?

Quitting "cold turkey" can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It's essential to have a strong support system and be prepared for potential challenges. In some cases, medical supervision may be necessary.