kick the habit
Break the cycle
To kick the habit is to break free from an addiction or compulsive behavior, especially after sustained effort: He finally kicked the habit after twenty years of smoking.
The phrase implies the behavior was difficult to stop—you don't kick a habit of eating salad.
Often used absolutely: I'm trying to kick the habit.
- cold turkeyImmediate complete cessation
- abstinenceVoluntary forgoing of indulgences
- quitCease doing something
- nicotine patchMedicated adhesive delivering stimulant
- patchMaterial covering damage
gum · cure · withdrawal · abandon · sobriety · twelve-step · one day at a time · refrain · stop · self-discipline · support group · urge · Alcoholics Anonymous · detox · white knuckle · rehabilitate · recovery programs · willpower