prep_phrase
Meaning 1
Poured over ice, usually in reference to alcoholic drinks.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
- I'll have a whisky on the rocks.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Phrase guide
on the rocks
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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Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
prep_phrase
Meaning 2
In a bad state; experiencing difficulties or at risk of failing.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively
Examples
- I knew my business was on the rocks, so I started considering going into voluntary bankruptcy.
- Joe and Tammy's relationship is on the rocks again.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
From the allusion of a ship running aground against rocks and breaking apart. The poured over ice sense is due to ice's resemblance to rocks.
Across languages
Translations
12 source translations are retained for this English entry.
- Bulgarian: с лед (s led) — poured over ice
- Finnish: jäillä — poured over ice
- French: avec des glaçons — poured over ice
- German: mit Eis — poured over ice
- Greek: με πάγο (me págo) — poured over ice
- Greek: με παγάκια (me pagákia) — poured over ice
- Hungarian: jéggel — poured over ice
- Italian: con ghiaccio — poured over ice
- Japanese: ロック (rokku) — poured over ice
- Russian: со льдом (so lʹdom) — poured over ice
- Finnish: kivillä — in a bad state
- Finnish: karilla — in a bad state