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# fell off the wagon

phrase (verb phrase: fall off the wagon, falls, fell, has fallen off the wagon; opposite: «on the wagon»)

«fell off the wagon» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism) started drinking alcohol again after trying to stop.
2. (humorous, extended) went back to any bad habit you had given up: sweets, smoking, video games.

### In the lessons

A soft, story-like way to talk about a relapse in drinking, used in families, gossip, news about celebrities and support groups; everyday, all regions. Used jokingly for small habits like chocolate.

### Examples

- He was sober for a year, but he fell off the wagon at the wedding.
- Mum gave up chocolate, then fell off the wagon at Easter.
- The singer fell off the wagon and cancelled his tour.
- "On the wagon" means not drinking; "fell off the wagon" means started again.
- I fell off the wagon and played games till midnight again.
- His friends helped him when he fell off the wagon.
- Gossip says the neighbour has fallen off the wagon.
- It's hard to stay on the wagon, and falling off doesn't mean you can't try again.

### Note

Trap: there is no real wagon; the phrase comes from «on the water wagon» (drinking only water). Plain meaning: started drinking again, relapsed. It can sound jokey for a serious problem, so be kind.