How to Use 'Cold Turkey' in English: Phrases About Quitting Habits


Introduction 🦃

The English phrase “cold turkey” is commonly used when talking about suddenly stopping a habit. Let’s explore various expressions and phrases related to quitting habits in English!

Basic Expressions 🛑

Core Phrases About Quitting

  • cold turkey
  • quit / give up
  • break a habit
  • kick the habit
  • wean off
  • cut back
  • call it quits
  • pack it in
  • Sudden / abrupt
  • Gradual / steady
  • Complete / total
  • Partial / moderate
  • Determined / resolute
  • Committed / dedicated

Useful Expressions and Examples 💪

When Talking About Quitting Cold Turkey

Example 1: “I decided to quit coffee cold turkey.”

“She gave up social media cold turkey last month.”

When Talking About Gradual Changes

Example 2: “I’m slowly weaning myself off sugar.”

“He’s gradually cutting back on video games.”

When Talking About Breaking Habits

Example 3: “It took me years to break that habit.”

“Old habits die hard.”

Conversation Examples 🗣️

Conversation About New Year’s Resolutions

A: “How’s your resolution going?”

B: “I quit junk food cold turkey on January 1st!”

A: “Wow, that must be tough!”

B: “Actually, it’s easier than trying to cut down gradually.”

Discussion About Changes

A: “Are you still trying to reduce your screen time?”

B: “Yes, but I’m taking it slow this time.”

A: “That’s probably smarter than quitting cold turkey.”

B: “I learned from experience that gradual changes work better for me.”

Grammar Points 📝

Using “Cold Turkey” in Sentences

  1. quit/stop + activity + cold turkey Example: “He quit smoking cold turkey.”

  2. go + cold turkey Example: “I went cold turkey with caffeine.”

  3. cold turkey + as adjective Example: “The cold turkey approach didn’t work for me.”

Common Mistakes ❌

Incorrect: “I will cold turkey stop.” Correct: “I will quit cold turkey.”

Incorrect: “She went to cold turkey.” Correct: “She went cold turkey.”

Situational Phrases 🎯

Discussing Success

  • “I’m sticking to my guns.”
  • “I haven’t slipped up once.”
  • “I’m staying on track.”

Discussing Challenges

  • “I’m having withdrawals.”
  • “I’m taking it one day at a time.”
  • “I’m fighting the urge.”

Alternative Expressions 🌟

Instead of “Cold Turkey”

  • “quit altogether”
  • “stop completely”
  • “give up entirely”
  • “quit then and there”

Idioms 🎭

  • “Turn over a new leaf”
  • “Break the cycle”
  • “Bite the bullet”
  • “Take the plunge”

Supporting Phrases 🌈

Words of Encouragement

  • “Hang in there!”
  • “Stay strong!”
  • “You’ve got this!”

Discussing Progress

  • “I’m making headway.”
  • “I’ve come a long way.”
  • “I’m over the hump.”

Summary ✨

Key Points to Remember

  1. “Cold turkey” means stopping suddenly and completely
  2. Choose appropriate expressions based on the situation
  3. Use encouraging phrases when discussing others’ efforts

Remember to use these expressions when discussing habits and lifestyle changes in English!

Bonus Tips 🎁

Word Combinations with “Quit”

  • quit for good
  • quit once and for all
  • quit on the spot
  • quit outright

Practice these phrases to discuss quitting habits naturally in English conversations!




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