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on the wagon

Meaning: To abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages because one cannot control oneself.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Daily Life

Origin: Similar to: cold turkey The expression on the wagon usually describes someone who is unable to handle alcohol or who is an alcoholic rather than a person who chooses to abstain for religious or other personal reasons. On the wagon refers to alcoholic drinks whereas cold turkey refers to abruptly stopping the intake of drugs, cigarettes, and other habits.

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