Phrase guide

no dice

phrase · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • nō dīs
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

phrase

Meaning 1

An unacceptable alternative.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

phrase

Meaning 2

An unfavorable result.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

phrase

Meaning 3

Used to express a negative outcome or decision.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • We looked all over the house for it. No dice.
  • The board considered the proposal at the meeting, but no dice for now.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

A term used in the game craps when the dice land off the table, invalidating the throw.