Origin of Phrases - O
On the wagon
Meaning: Abstaining from consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Example: Dean Martin never fell off the wagon. You have to be on the wagon before you can fall off.
Origin: The origin of this seemingly mysterious phrase becomes clear when one learns that the original phrase was "On the water wagon". A water wagon was a common piece of equipment in the days before paved roads. They were used to spray the dirt roads to help control dust.