kick the habit
/ˌkɪk ðə ˈhæbɪt/INFORMAL · B2
Meaning
to stop doing something harmful you have done for a long time
Examples
- 1Dad drank six cans of cola a day for years, but he finally kicked the habit.
- 2I bite my nails when I'm nervous, and I'd love to kick the habit.
- 3After twenty years of sugar in her tea, Gran has kicked the habit and doesn't miss it.
- 4Ben checks his phone every five minutes and can't seem to kick the habit.
- 5Snacking at midnight is fine now and then, but if it happens every night, try to kick the habit.
Grammar
Only kick changes form: kicked. Usually the habit; a habit is also used.
More idioms about health
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →go under the knifeto have a medical operationfull of beanslively and very energeticas right as raincompletely well again after an illnessa frog in your throatdifficulty speaking for a moment because your voice is hoarsea new lease of lifefresh energy, or more years of use, after a difficult timealive and kickingstill active and full of energy
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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