on the wagon
The phrase "on the wagon" originated from the early 20th-century temperance movement in the United States, referring to abstaining from alcohol.
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Definition
B2Addiction Recovery
(idiomatic, informal)Abstaining from alcohol, typically after a period of heavy drinking.
Example
- After years of heavy drinking, John decided to get on the wagon and has been sober for six months.
B2General
(idiomatic, informal)Refraining from indulging in a particular habit or vice.
Example
- She is on the wagon with her new diet and hasn't touched sweets in weeks.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on the wagon":