On the wagon Origin and History - This expression means abstaining from alcohol and is American dating from the turn of the 19th/20th century. The expression began life as 'on the water cart' an.. The origin of "on the wagon," meaning "to abstain from alcoholic drink," is the most contentious etymology among the four phrases mentioned.
On the wagon is an idiom meaning abstaining from alcohol. This article explains the definition and origin of the phrases on the wagon and off the wagon.. What does 'on the wagon' mean? The idiom "on the wagon" means to abstain from drinking alcohol or to be not drinking alcohol after a period of heavy drinking. Idiom Explorer See alsotie one on: Idiom Meaning and OriginAn idiom meaning to consume a large quantity of alcohol, usually resulting in getting drunk or excessively.