American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms]. Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms. If your word has any anagrams, they'll be listed too along with a definition for the word if we have one. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved. What Are Other Ways To Wish Someone A Merry Christmas? The first meaning, above, has bee nin use since the late 1800s and alludes to a ship running to ground on the rocks and thus breaking apart. 2. On the rocks "ruined" is from 1889, figurative use of the expression with reference to ships (by 1735). In a bad state, particularly of a romantic relationship. Especially used to refer to relationships or organizations, on the rocks means not going well and likely to end soon; ruined or spoiled. The more so as "on the rocks" dates only from the late 1940s; how many 1940s American drinkers and bartenders do you suppose were students of ancient Roman drinking habits? Find more ways to say on the rocks, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. The valley of rocks still bears the marks of early pioneers who wrote their names with axle grease on the rocks. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2010.  jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_4').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_4', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [10, 15], }); 3. ON THE ROCKS 'ON THE ROCKS' is a 10 letter phrase starting with O and ending with S Synonyms, crossword answers and other related words for ON THE ROCKS We hope that the following list of synonyms for the word on the rocks will help you to finish your crossword today. The ‘rocks’ are the ice cubes. n. 1. Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. He gets his rocks off bird-watching. Let’s hope we can survive the next four years!”, “I’m on the rocks,” said David. Since the late 1800s it has been used figuratively for other disasters or problems. Layeth The Smackethdown – The King Edward version of the original phrase. Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_6').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_6', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [10, 15], }); We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Relatively hard, naturally formed mineral or petrified matter; stone. on the rocks - Examples: 1) Susan and Tim have been married 20 years and their relationship is on the rocks. 1. on the rocks synonyms, on the rocks pronunciation, on the rocks translation, English dictionary definition of on the rocks. An expression of happiness, excitement, or enthusiasm. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [10, 15], });,2McCarthy, Michael. : A mess on the rocks is sure to put you off your cream tea until a couple of tides have cleaned it up. phrase. CNET, 7 November 2019 "Anna Heinrich has reacted to rumours her relationship with Tim Robards is on the rocks. Most people chose this as the best definition of on-the-rocks: Poured over ice, usually... See the dictionary meaning, pronunciation, and sentence examples. The Gileadites captured the fords over the River Jordan leading to Ephraim. If a man wanted to cross a ford they made him say 'Shibboleth' (a Hebrew word meaning ear of grain). Define on the rocks. rocks meaning: having serious difficulties and likely to fail soon: . Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms. Six months after the wedding, their marriage was on the rocks, Can I borrow next month's rent? rocks (n.) plural of rock (n.1). “They’ve only been together for six months and already their marriage is on the rocks.”, “Our democracy is on the rocks. Learn more. Served over ice only, as in He always drinks whiskey on the rocks. Another word for on the rocks. Calling ice cubes "rocks" is simply a joke, and not a reference to some ancient Roman custom. I have frequently run into an expression, “You rock!” or “Someone or something rocks!” while chatting on the Internet with native speakers. If anyone mispronounced the word the Gileadites knew he was an enemy and killed him. See more. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_5').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_5', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [10, 15], }); “I’ll have a whiskey on the rocks please,” said the man to the bartender. Our film industry is on the rocks. She confided to her mother six months ago that her marriage was on the rocks. Practical examples. Look up on the rocks in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. The third meaning dates from about the same period. ‘This film is the thematic and cinematic equivalent of scotch on the rocks: golden and fiery, burning the throat, but continually surrounded and chilled by giant blocks of ice.’ ‘While ‘celebrating’ in the hotel lounge (her idea of a party is scotch on the rocks and a corner to herself), she runs into Paula.’ Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. 1. stand out. 1. I'm on the rocks. b. See also: on, rock. While I can guess the phrase has a positive meaning, I don’t know what it exactly means. I've always wanted to see Paris!" See also: refer to (someone or something) most of all. How to use rock in a sentence. This usage, from the late 1800s, is heard more often in Britain than America. rock the boat: To disturb the status quo or go against rules or conventions, as in an effort to get attention. rocks: [noun - plural] testicles. Synonyms and related words. Ruined, spoiled, as in Six months after the wedding, their marriage was on the rocks. on the rocks. on the rocks definition: 1. likely to fail soon: 2. 1. in a ruined condition 2. poured over ice (usually said of alcoholic beverages) The global economy may be on the rocks, but that does not seem to have stopped anyone from enjoying a … rock on: [interjection] general encouraging or positive exclamation. be an inspiration to someone. A: "I hear our class won a trip to Paris!" 3) Francine insists Ronan's 14-year marriage was already on the rocks when they got together. This expression, alluding to a ship running aground on rocks and breaking apart, has been used figuratively for other disasters since the late 1800s. -. A protagonist is the main character of a story, or the lead. Ruined, spoiled, as in Six months after the wedding, their marriage was on the rocks. Automatically generated examples: "For a cooler climate, order it on the rocks. Joe and Tammy's relationship is on the rocks again. 1Ammer, Christine. Rock definition is - to move back and forth in or as if in a cradle. Why Do “Left” And “Right” Mean Liberal And Conservative? 6Ammer, Christine. The second meaning, in regards to alcoholic beverages, dates from the mid-1900s. O Share your thoughts 3Ammer, Christine. Rock definition, a large mass of stone forming a hill, cliff, promontory, or the like. on the rocks. When used in reference to alcoholic drinks, especially whiskey and other liquors, on the rocks means served over ice. The “rocks” here are the ice cubes. Can you identify the antonym of “protagonist,” or the opposite of a hero or heroine? I'm on the rocks. 5Ammer, Christine. This expression, alluding to a ship running aground on rocks and breaking apart, has been used figuratively for other disasters since the late 1800s. Rate it: (4.00 / 2 votes) sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll: Indulgent and pleasurable activities. SHORT SHRIFT Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. If you have an alcoholic drink on the rocks, you have it with pieces of…. ON THE ROCKS' is a 13 letter phrase starting with . Describe 2020 In Just One Word? We Asked, You Answered. McCarthy, Michael. Especially used to refer to relationships or organizations, on the rocks means not going well and likely to end soon; ruined or spoiled. A hand signal rock n' roll fans use at concerts to say "rock on" to the band : There were a lot of rocks to pick through, and it was a ways down, but once I perched on the rocks by the waterside it was worth it. A negroni cocktail with an orange twist served on the rocks "On the rocks" refers to liquor poured over ice … The more so as "on the rocks" dates only from the late 1940s; how many 1940s American drinkers and bartenders do you suppose were students of ancient Roman drinking habits? The Millions (AND MILLIONS) – This started off really hilariously as Rock would declare he … American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms]. The association between ice and rocks extends to the type of glass as well. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_3').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_3', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [10, 15], });,4Heacock, Paul. Poured over ice, usually in reference to alcoholic drinks. Citation from "Francine's Flashback", American Dad (TV), Season 1 Episode 4 (2005) blacked out to resolve Google's penalty against this site . “Pagan” vs. “Wicca”: What Is The Difference? Rate it: (4.00 / 1 vote) rock up: To work one's way vertically up a chimney or cleft using a rock ing movement. Cambridge University Press, 2002, English Idioms: 22 Idioms About Happiness or Being Happy. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms]. Synonyms for on the rocks include deteriorating, languishing, collapsing, crumbling, failing, in trouble, in decline, in difficulty, in a bad way and in disrepair. What’s The Difference Between “Yule” And “Christmas”? The Most Surprisingly Serendipitous Words Of The Day, The Dictionary.com Word Of The Year For 2020 Is …. A chiefly British usage, on the rocks sometimes means broke, bankrupt, or in serious financial difficulty. A relatively small piece or fragment of such material. Meaning "ice cubes" is from 1946; slang meaning "testicles" is first recorded in phrase get (one's) rocks off "achieve intense satisfaction." Cambridge University Press, 2002 jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_2').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_2', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [10, 15], }); 2. To be very good or impressive. Master these essential literary terms and you’ll be talking like your English teacher in no time. This expression, alluding to a ship running … [Mid-1900s]. 2. a. Ruined, spoiled, as in Six months after the wedding, their marriage was on the rocks. The Ephraimites could not pronounce the word properly and said 'Sibboleth'. If something such as a marriage or a business is on the rocks, it is experiencing very severe difficulties and looks likely to end very soon . Citation from "The Glasses", Seinfeld (TV), Season 5 Episode 3 (1993) blacked out to resolve Google's penalty against this site . Calling ice cubes "rocks" is simply a joke, and not a reference to some ancient Roman custom. 1, 2 2. The phrase "on the rocks" was originally used for ships which ran aground on rocks and broke apart. SEE SYNONYMS FOR on the rocks ON THESAURUS.COM. The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Synonym Discussion of rock. Why Is “Christmas” Abbreviated As “Xmas”? B: "Rock on! When used in reference to alcoholic drinks, especially whiskey and other liquors, on the rocks means served over ice. Learn more. Find more similar words at wordhippo.com! 2) ... mom isn't giving up her job, and its putting my relationship on the rocks. used for saying that someone or something is very good or impressive. Definition of ON THE ROCKS (phrase): having serious difficulties and likely to fail; served with ice Destitute, bankrupt, as in Can I borrow next month's rent? "On the rocks" can also be used when describing the preferred way to serve a mixed drink such as a screwdriver or sea breeze. See more words with the same meaning: testicles . I'll have a whisky on the rocks. news.com.au, 7 November 2019 "Rain formed pools in the hollow spaces on the rocks. That new Pacino film rocks! American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms]. “If you could spare enough for my rent this month I can get by.”. We hope that you find the site useful. 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For the word properly and said 'Sibboleth ' Xmas ” what ’ s the Difference between Yule. Move back and forth in or as if in a bad state, particularly of a story or! Free dictionary the mid-1900s Ways to Wish someone a Merry Christmas Right ” Mean Liberal and?... Is heard more often in Britain than America refer to ( someone or )!