off the wagon: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘off the wagon’ mean?
The idiom "off the wagon" refers to someone who has started drinking alcohol again after a period of sobriety or abstaining from alcohol. This phrase is often used to describe someone who has relapsed and is no longer maintaining their recovery from alcohol addiction.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "worse for liquor" is used to describe someone who is visibly affected by the consumption of alcohol, often implying that they are behaving in a reckless or foolish manner.
"Put the plug in the jug" is an idiom that means to stop drinking alcohol or to quit drinking excessively.
The idiomatic expression "out of one's face" means to be extremely intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, resulting in irrational or erratic behavior.
The idiom "out of one's face" is a relatively lesser-known phrase in American English. Its meaning and usage are not as widely understood as more commonly used idioms. Nevertheless, through research and analysis, several facts about this idiom can be established.
The idiom "on the wagon" means to abstain from drinking alcohol or to be not drinking alcohol after a period of heavy drinking.
The phrase "on the wagon" is often used to describe someone who has stopped drinking alcohol. It originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century, but its exact origin is unclear.
The idiom "on the skids" refers to a situation or person that is in decline or deteriorating. It can describe something or someone facing a loss of reputation, success, or stability.
The idiom "on the skids" is commonly used in the English language to indicate a decline or deterioration in someone's or something's circumstances. It suggests a downward spiral towards failure or ruin.
When something or someone goes "off the rails," it means they have deviated from the normal or expected course of action. It suggests a loss of control or a situation becoming chaotic or out of hand.
When it comes to idioms, "off the rails" is a well-known phrase that has gained popularity in the English language. This idiom is often used to describe something or someone that has gone out of control, deviated from a planned course, or become chaotic and disorganized.
The idiom "off the radar" means to be unnoticed or not receiving attention or consideration. It is often used to describe someone or something that is no longer in the spotlight or has become forgotten or ignored.
The idiom "off the hook" means to no longer be responsible or obligated for something, usually because someone else has taken over or the situation has been resolved.
The idiom "off one's trolley" means to be crazy or mentally unstable. It is often used to describe someone who is behaving in a very strange or irrational manner.
The Unexpected Relapse
The phrase "fall off the wagon" is closely related to the idiom "off the wagon." When someone "falls off the wagon," it means that they have had a relapse or regression in their behavior or habits, particularly with regards to drinking alcohol. It is similar to being "off the wagon," but the emphasis is on the act of falling off, as if someone had lost their balance and slipped back into their old ways. This idiom is often used to describe individuals who had been successfully abstaining from alcohol but have now resumed their drinking habits.
On the other hand, being "on the wagon" refers to someone who has chosen to abstain from drinking alcohol. The phrase is believed to have originated during the temperance movement in the United States, when individuals would choose to ride on a water wagon instead of consuming alcoholic beverages. The idiom implies a sense of discipline and commitment to staying sober. It is the opposite of being "off the wagon" and represents a person's decision to stay away from alcohol.
Additionally, there is another related idiom called "off one's box." This phrase is used to describe someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and is behaving in a wild or irrational manner. It is often used colloquially to indicate that someone is intoxicated and not in control of their actions. While "off the wagon" specifically refers to a relapse in alcohol consumption, "off one's box" has a broader connotation and can apply to being under the influence of any substance.
Understanding the meanings and nuances of these idioms can enhance our comprehension of various situations and conversations. They allow us to convey ideas and experiences using concise and relatable language. Whether it's discussing someone's struggle with alcohol addiction or referring to a temporary deviation from a healthy habit, these idioms enable us to express these concepts effectively in a conversational manner.
So, the next time you hear someone say that they fell off the wagon, remember that they have experienced a setback or relapse in their behavior, particularly with regards to drinking alcohol. Conversely, if someone mentions that they are on the wagon, they have made a conscious decision to abstain from alcohol. And let's not forget about "off one's box," which describes someone who is intoxicated and behaving erratically due to the influence of drugs or alcohol. These idioms add color and expressiveness to our language, allowing us to connect with others on shared experiences and understandings.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom off the wagon can be used in a sentence:
- After successfully quitting smoking for three months, John fell off the wagon and started smoking again.
- She had been sober for years, but recently she fell off the wagon and started drinking again.
- He promised his family he would never gamble again, but he fell off the wagon and lost all his savings at the casino.
More "Alcohol" idioms
