on the gargle

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseslanginformaldisapproving

   drinking alcohol, especially often or in large amounts

   Grammar: Used after 'be' or verbs like 'go': He's on the gargle again.

   Patterns

   • be on the gargle
   • go on the gargle
   • been on the gargle

   He's been on the gargle all weekend and hasn't left the house.

   They went on the gargle after the match and got home very late.

   She says her brother is on the gargle again and the family is worried.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseslanginformalIrish

   a period of heavy drinking

   Grammar: Often used with 'on a' in Irish English: on a gargle.

   Patterns

   • on a gargle
   • a two-day gargle

   He's on a gargle this week and won't answer his phone.

   After payday they had a bit of a gargle in town.

Common combinations

be on the gargle

He's on the gargle again, so don't expect him early.

go on the gargle

They went on the gargle to celebrate the win.

on the gargle all night

The neighbours were on the gargle all night and kept everyone awake.

a bit of a gargle

We had a bit of a gargle after work on Friday.

Synonyms and how they differ

on the booze

This is a more common informal British phrase with the same meaning; it is slightly less regional than 'on the gargle'.

on a bender

This means a short period of heavy drinking, often over several days; it emphasizes the length and intensity more than 'on the gargle'.

Opposites

Word family

gargle verb

To wash your mouth and throat with liquid by breathing out gently while holding it; the slang phrase comes from this word.

Commonly confused: on the gargle or gargle?

Practice

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