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1 of 10
1. Abruptly and without medical aid to withdraw from the use of an addictive drug or from a serious drinking problem.
2. {n.}
An instance of withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, or cigarette smoking.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
. cold turkey
[cold turkey] {adv.}, {slang}, {informal}
1. Abruptly and without medical aid to withdraw from the use of an addictive drug or from a serious drinking problem.
Joe is a very brave guy; he kicked the habit cold turkey.
2. {n.}
An instance of withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, or cigarette smoking.
Joe did a cold turkey.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
To talk about something in a really businesslike way; talk with the aim of getting things done.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
. talk turkey
[talk turkey] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To talk about something in a really businesslike way; talk with the aim of getting things done.
Charles said, "Now, let's talk turkey about the bus trip. The fact is, it will cost each student $1.50."
The father always spoke gently to his son, but when the son broke the windshield of the car, the father talked turkey to him.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
No matter what happens; whatever may come.
Compare: [COME WHAT MAY], [THROUGH THE MILL].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
. come hell or high water
[come hell or high water] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
No matter what happens; whatever may come.
Grandfather said he would go to the fair, come hell or high water.
Compare: [COME WHAT MAY], [THROUGH THE MILL].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
1. Both ways; in both directions.
2. Caught or helpless; in your power; left with no way out of a difficulty. — Used after "have".
Compare: [BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
. coming and going
[coming and going] or [going and coming] {adv. phr.}
1. Both ways; in both directions.
The truck driver stops at the same cafe coming and going.
John was late. He got punished both going and coming; his teacher punished him and his parents punished him.
2. Caught or helpless; in your power; left with no way out of a difficulty. — Used after "have".
If Beth stayed in the house, Mother would make her help with the cleaning; if she went outside, Father would make her help wash the car — they had her coming and going.
Uncle Mike is a good checker player, and he soon had me beat coming and going.
Compare: [BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
Wasted; lost.
Compare: [GO BY THE BOARD].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
. down the drain
[down the drain] {adj.} or {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Wasted; lost.
It is money down the drain if you spend it all on candy.
Our plans to go swimming went down the drain when it rained.
Compare: [GO BY THE BOARD].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
At fairly regular intervals; fairly often; repeatedly.
Compare: [NOW AND THEN].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
. every now and then
[every now and then] or [every now and again] or [every so often] or [every once in a while] {adv. phr.}
At fairly regular intervals; fairly often; repeatedly.
John comes to visit me every now and then.
It was hot work, but every so often Susan would bring us something cold to drink.
Compare: [NOW AND THEN].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
. every time one turns around
[every time one turns around] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Very often.
Mr. Winston must be rich. He buys a new suit every time he turns around.
No, Charles — I can't drive you to the park every time I turn around.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
For anything; for any price. Used in negative sentences.
Compare: [FOR ALL THE WORLD] (1).
A Dictionary of American Idioms