Fall off the wagon

Meaning

Return to old habits, especially drinking.

Usage

Used in sobriety contexts to describe relapse.

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.

Alcoholics’ transportation metaphor of riding a sobriety wagon.

From temperance movements in the 19th century.