Cold Turkey - IELTS Idiom of the Day

This IELTS idiom “Cold Turkey” is the perfect one for answering questions about quitting something at once without taking much time. In the IELTS exam’s Speaking test, if you can use idioms fluently and naturally, it can help you sound more confident and expressive. 

The idiom “cold turkey” is mainly useful when discussing habits, routines, and personal challenges or even long-term goals. Before you can apply it properly, it is important to understand its meaning, history, and correct usage. So, let’s get to it.

Meaning of ‘Cold Turkey’ IELTS Idiom

The idiom “cold turkey” refers to someone who suddenly stops doing something that they were addicted to or were strongly dependent on, without gradually reducing the act of doing it. This idiom is often used when talking about someone quitting their harmful habits, such as smoking, drinking, or excessive screen time.

In the IELTS Speaking test, the idiom works perfectly when discussing health, habits, lifestyle changes, addictions, or even personal challenges. 

For example:

• “I used to drink too much tea during my exam season, but last month I quit cold turkey because it was excessively affecting my sleep.”

The idiom shows determination and immediate action, making you sound more fluent and natural. Hence, using it in your IELTS test helps you stand out from the crowd.

Where Did the Idiom 'Cold Turkey' Come From?

The origin of this idiom, “cold turkey”, is a widely debated topic, but two of the most popular theories explain how this idiom came into existence. They are:

1. Withdrawal Symptoms Theory

One of the explanations is that people who suddenly quit addictive substances may first experience cold, goosebump-covered skin, pale, resembling the texture of a cold turkey. Over this period, this medical observation transformed into the idiom’s meaning to quit something suddenly.

2. Direct and Plain Simplicity Theory

Another theory comes from this phrase, “talk turkey,” which means to speak plainly and directly. Then “Cold turkey” became a metaphor for dealing with something in a bare and straightforward, and immediate manner with no excuses.

While the exact origin of this idiom is uncertain, the idiom has been used since the early 1900s, and it remains as a common expression in conversations about personal and lifestyle changes.

Synonyms of the ‘Cold Turkey’ Idiom

• Quitting abruptly
• Stopping suddenly
• Giving up instantly
• Going off something all at once
• Cutting it out completely
• Immediate withdrawal

Antonyms of the ‘Cold Turkey’ Idiom

• Quitting gradually
• Reducing slowly
• Phasing out step by step
• Easing off
• Cutting down little by little
• Making a slow transition

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using the ‘Cold Turkey’ Idiom

• Using it in a literal context 

It does not refer to literally eating turkey.

• Applying it to unrelated activities

You cannot quit doing your homework “cold turkey.” It directly applies to habits or addictions.

• Using incorrect grammar 

The correct structure of using the idiom is:

-“Quit cold turkey,”

-“Go cold turkey,”

• Using it in formal academic writing 

It is an informal idiom that is best suited for the IELTS Speaking test or IELTS Writing Task 1’s informal letters.

• Confusing its meaning 

It means to immediately quit something and not just “take a break.”

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom ‘Cold Turkey’

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, if you are asked to describe a habit you changed, you can say:

“Three years ago, I used to spend nearly three hours a day on social media apps, which affected my productivity and sleep. One fine day, I realised that I was getting out of control, so I decided to quit cold turkey. I uninstalled all the social media apps and switched off all of my notifications. The first few days of quitting were extremely challenging, but eventually, I gained abundant free time and felt more focused.”

Examples to Understand the Usage of the ‘Cold Turkey’ Idiom in Sentences

1. She decided to quit smoking cold turkey after her health started declining.
2. My mom went cold turkey on junk food to improve her fitness.
3. Most people find it hard to quit cold turkey and prefer to reduce their bad habits gradually.
4. He stopped drinking coffee cold turkey before his medical check-up.
5. Going cold turkey can be tough at times, but it often brings the fastest results.

Also Check:

• Cash-flow Problem - Idiom of the Day for IELTS  
• Once in a Blue Moon Idiom: Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
• A Leopard Cannot Change Its Spots – Idiom of the Day for IELTS