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Region: US | Usage example: He fell off the wagon after a stressful week.

Fall off the wagon

Meaning

Return to old habits, especially drinking.

Usage

Used in sobriety contexts to describe relapse.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Alcoholics’ transportation metaphor of riding a sobriety wagon.

From temperance movements in the 19th century.

Related Idioms

Fall on deaf ears

Be ignored or disregarded.

Apple don't fall far from the tree

Children often resemble their parents.

Fall on the ears

Be heard or understood.

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.