English speakers use many idioms (idiomatic expressions) in their everyday speech. keen on something. First example: 5Ammer, Christine. The third meaning dates from about the same period. Imagine a ship that is sailing the ocean and nearing an island. He told his friend he thought their marriage was really on the rocks. The “rocks” referred to in this expression are ice cubes. Hit The Rocks stands for (idiomatic) To be at a low point in one's pursuits.. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms]. It means that the relationship is in danger of ending. surprise. Synonyms: in trouble, breaking down, falling apart, in tatters More Synonyms of on the rocks Slang is like an idiom, but it is usually used by a group a people, for example: text message slang or California slang. 2. The term began to be used as a metaphor for other disasters in the late nineteenth century. Meaning of On The Rocks. Example sentences with on the rocks idiom. Meaning of Hit The Rocks. Idioms about Relationships (and some more vocabulary) printed in bold are explained below the article. In state of ruin, disrepair, or destitution. It is one of the most commonly used expressions in English writings. She confided to her mother six months ago that her marriage was on the rocks. Of course their marriage is on the rocks, they fight all the time! Jun 27, 2014 - Take a look at Kaplan International's "on the rocks" idioms illustration. Especially used to refer to relationships or organizations, on the rocks means not going well and likely to end soon; ruined or spoiled. for. Example Sentences. What does on the rocks expression mean? All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Literally, to have become stuck on rocks in the water, as of a ship. So let’s take a look at the most popular idioms and common idioms in the English language and what they mean. The term began to be used as a metaphor for other disasters in the late nineteenth century. The cruise ship was marooned on the rocks for nearly three days before rescue services could reach them. on the rocks definition: 1. likely to fail soon: 2. "On the rocks" refers to liquor poured over ice cubes, and a "rocks drink" is a drink served on the rocks. Typically used in reference to romantic relationships. Learn more. With ice only. 15.7%. To be in jeopardy and likely to end or fail. This band sucks rocks . * /Mr. 12 English Idioms about Relationships. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_4_3').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_4_3', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [25, 15], });,4Heacock, Paul. take on. [on the rocks] {adj. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_4_5').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_4_5', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [25, 15], }); “I’ll have a whiskey on the rocks please,” said the man to the bartender. “They’ve only been together for six months and already their marriage is on the rocks.”, “Our democracy is on the rocks. Served over ice cubes: … 3. To contain ice, as of an alcoholic beverage. 4.8%. Did you hear that Bill and Maria are on the rocks? Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content. To be in jeopardy and likely to end or fail. Synonyms of the month. Explore Urdupoint to find out more popular Idioms and Idiom Meanings, to amplify your writings be on the right/wrong side of 40, 50, etc. 3. Want to learn more? Jones' business and marriage were both on the rocks./ 2. Let’s hope we can survive the next four years!”, “I’m on the rocks,” said David. Share on twitter. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms]. 6Ammer, Christine. Rock candy. Ruined, either financially or in some other way. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms]. https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/be+on+the+rocks. phr.} On the rocks may mean to serve a beverage with ice in it. See also main entry: rock See also main entry: rock Thesaurus Trending Words. Listen to the mp3 first without reading the text if you want to practise your listening skills . on the rocks. Share on telegram. How to use on the rocks idiom? On The Rocks stands for (idiomatic) In a bad state, particularly of a romantic relationship.. on the rocks 1. on the rocks 1. on the rocks, to be. 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. Jan 7, 2019 - Meaning of Idiom 'On the Rocks' 1. Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms. 5.1%. Related words and phrases: bankrupt, broke, broken, busted, failed, foreclosed, in Chapter 11, in Chapter 13, in receivership, in the red, indebted, lost, money, on the rocks, out of money, strapped, taken to the cleaners, unbalanced, undone. In a state of difficulty, destruction, or ruin: Their marriage is on the rocks. for. http://www.eslbasics.com This is what keeps English so interesting! This idiom actually derives from the sport of boxing, where it is used regarding the first meaning, above. on the rocks Meaning. be on the rocks 1. Sometimes idioms can have two completely different meanings. 1. Ruined, either financially or in some other way. The expression “on the rocks” can have a negative meaning about a romantic relationship, but it can also refer to how you would like your cocktail served! It is an … on the rocks, to be Idiom. That drink's on the rocks, so it's not the one I ordered. present. Share on email. Literally, shipwrecked atop rocks in a body of water. {informal} Wrecked or ruined. Most often, a beverage that is served on the rocks is an alcoholic drink. When used in reference to alcoholic drinks, especially whiskey and other liquors, on the rocks means served over ice. 3.9%. jealoustome (1514) “Great Answer” (2) Flag as… ¶ You are either fabulous or Roger Daltrey. FishGutsDale (2038) “Great Answer” (4) Flag as… ¶ You rock! If you have an alcoholic drink on the rocks, you have it with pieces of…. 2. Watch and Learn the definition of the idiom "on the rocks" with Andrea from ESL Basics. Literally, to have become stuck on rocks in the water, as of a ship. Our film industry is on the rocks. An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. Example: John’s marriage was not going well. 40 Commonly Used and Popular English Idioms. Somehow it comes too close to a reef or to some rocks, and the ship breaks apart. suck rocks: [verb] to be bad. 0.3%. On The Rocks is an idiom. You need to make sound financial decisions to keep your company from being on the rocks. 3Ammer, Christine. On the rocks definition at Dictionary.com, a free online dictionary with pronunciation, synonyms and translation. Discover how to use love idioms in everyday conversation and speak English like a native. On The Rocks meaning, Definition & Detail meaning of On The Rocks with gives you the best and accurate meanings of On The Rocks. 1. on the rocks idiom meaning. A blessing in disguise Meaning … Understanding idioms used in business discussions is important. 2. A common modern application appears in Tennessee Williams’s play. It is one of the most commonly used expressions in English writings. In a state of difficulty, destruction, or ruin: Their marriage is on the rocks. put off. on the rocks Idiom. keen on something-8.9%. on the rocks. Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms. be on the same wavelength/on different wavelengths, be on the scent (of someone or something). Discover . without money; bankrupt. 2. This term comes from a ship that has run aground on rocks and will break into pieces unless it can be hauled or floated off in time. Idioms: between a rock and a hard place. 2. Today's idiom is "On The Rocks." Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_4_6').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_4_6', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [25, 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. Figurative meaning: I’m feeling tired and sick If you think about the literal meaning of these expressions, they might sound funny. Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms. This term comes from a ship that has run aground on rocks and will break into pieces unless it can be hauled or floated off in time. This is the British English definition of on the rocks.View American English definition of on the rocks. Without money; bankrupt: Our accountant says the business is on the rocks. Especially used to refer to relationships or organizations, on the rocks means not going well and likely to end soon; ruined or spoiled. A chiefly British usage, on the rocks sometimes means broke, bankrupt, or in serious financial difficulty. To suffer financial hardship, often suddenly. * /At the restaurant, Sally […] A Dictionary of American Idioms Possibly, more important is understanding idioms or phrases used in casual discussions in the break room, in transit, or during lunch. Idioms about Relationships: Love on the rocks for celebrities. Hit The Rocks is an idiom. Typically used in reference to romantic relationships. This is what keeps English so interesting! Of alcohol, served in a glass with ice cubes. Definition of on the rocks by the Dictionary of American Idioms. Some sources fail to cite its use in boxing as an idiom, listing it only as the origin of the idiom’s more general use in the second definition. Look it up now! 1.6%. 1. 16 Answer s. It means that they are cool, exciting, excellent, they have done something good. I'll have a whiskey on the rocks, please. Tip: See my list of the Most Common Mistakes in English.It will teach you how to avoid mis­takes with com­mas, pre­pos­i­tions, ir­reg­u­lar verbs, and much more. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms]. I couldn’t agree more-3.1%. In this series, I'll share some idiom tutorials by Andrea of Study with Andrea. I couldn’t agree more. Especially used to refer to relationships or organizations, on the rocks means not going well and likely to end soon; ruined Meaning of Idiom ‘On the Rocks’ 1. When a relationship is “on the rocks,” it is in a bad way. Change your default dictionary to American English. present. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. “If you could spare enough for my rent this month I can get by.”. idiom; meaning; expresseions; Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0. put off. I was on the rocks pretty soon after I lost my job. Definition of 'to be on the rocks' to be on the rocks in British English 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 She admitted that her marriage was on the rocks. See more words with the same meaning: to be bad, poor, to suck . Idioms are used frequently in both written and spoken English. L iving under a rock is a nice recent English idiom meaning “being oblivious or ignorant to what happens in the outside world”. 5.3%. It has been used this way since the mid-1900s. Meaning: When someone says that a romantic relationship is “on the rocks,” it means that things are not working out. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2010.  jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_4_4').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_4_4', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [25, 15], }); 3. The phrase “on the rocks” was originally used for ships which ran aground on rocks and broke apart. McCarthy, Michael. We will examine the meaning of the idiom on the rocks, where it came from, and some examples of its use in sentences. having serious difficulties and likely to fail soon: The business had lost a lot of money and was on the rocks. go back a long way. Cambridge University Press, 2002 jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_4_2').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_4_2', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [25, 15], }); 2. Our ship is on the rocks now, after crashing during that violent storm. Change your default dictionary to American English. The second meaning, in regards to alcoholic beverages, dates from the mid-1900s. Did you hear that Bill and Maria are on the rocks? Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge. take on. 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. Explore Urdupoint to find out more popular Idioms … Share on facebook. Synonyms of the month. See also main entry: rock See also main entry: rock Thesaurus Trending Words. Discover . It may or may not be able to be repaired. The ‘rocks’ are the ice cubes. gift. 3. 5.8%. Meaning: when something is not going well. It has two meanings. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_2068_4_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_2068_4_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [25, 15], });,2McCarthy, Michael. gift. Confronted with equally unpleasant alternatives and few or no opportunities to evade or circumvent them. 1Ammer, Christine. Origin. The expression “on the rocks” can have a negative meaning about a romantic relationship, but it can also refer to how you would like your cocktail served! = You’re awesome! Sometimes idioms can have two completely different meanings. He constantly argued with his wife. 1. Cambridge University Press, 2002, English Idioms: 22 Idioms About Happiness or Being Happy. Idiom Meaning: An idiom is a group of words that are used as a common expression whose meaning is not deducible from that of the literal words. This is the British English definition of something rocks.View American English definition of something rocks. 4. Our ship is on the rocks now, after crashing during that violent storm.