Cold turkey

Meaning

Stop a habit abruptly without tapering off.

Usage

Used when someone makes a sudden break from routines.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Possibly refers to the pale, rigid look of someone going through withdrawal.

Popularized in the 20th century as slang for intense withdrawal.