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Region: US | Usage example: The cult members drank the Kool Aid and followed the leader without protest.

Drink the Kool Aid

Meaning

Accept a belief or plan unquestioningly, often to the point of self harm.

Usage

Used as a warning against cultish or blind loyalty.

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.

Refers to the 1978 Jonestown tragedy, in which more than 900 people died after drinking a poisoned flavoured drink (reportedly Flavor Aid rather than Kool-Aid). Use with care.

Entered English after 1978.

Related Idioms

Drink from the firehose

Try to absorb too much information at once.

Drink someone under the table

Outdrink another person.

Jump the shark

Reach a point where something loses credibility.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.