What Does “off the wagon” mean?
Definition:
The phrase off the wagon is an idiomatic expression that refers to someone who no longer abstains from a habit or an addiction like alcoholic drinks.
The opposite of this expression is “to be on the wagon”, meaning maintaining a program of self-improvement or abstinence from some undesirable habits.
The origin of the idiom “off the wagon”
The expression probably comes from the early 20th-century American idiom on the water-wagon. This expression referred to someone who was drinking water instead of alcoholic drinks as an attempt to stop drinking. The expression likely preceded its opposite to fall off the wagon.
Example(s)
1. In spite of falling off the wagon several times, he eventually succeeded in quitting.
2. John is trying to stop drinking. Would he be able to resist or would he fall off the wagon?
