on the rocks
4 synonyms and 4 antonyms for on the rocks, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Phrase — Of a drink, served poured over ice cubes rather than chilled, neat or mixed.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
in trouble
falling apart
in jeopardy
Synonyms by Meaning
1. phrase
Of a drink, served poured over ice cubes rather than chilled, neat or mixed.
“I'll have a whisky on the rocks, please.”
Opposites
neat
straight up
How to use on the rocks
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
whisky on the rocks
marriage on the rocks
relationship on the rocks
rocks glass
Informal but standard in both senses.
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.
Full origin of on the rocks →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between on the rocks and neat?
Neat means the spirit is poured straight from the bottle into the glass with nothing added — no ice, no water. On the rocks means the same spirit served over ice, which chills it and dilutes it slightly as the ice melts.
What is the difference between on the rocks and straight up?
Straight up (or just 'up') means the drink was chilled with ice — usually stirred or shaken — then strained into a glass without the ice, so it arrives cold but ice-free. On the rocks means the ice stays in the glass.
Why is ice called rocks?
Because the cubes sit in the glass like stones. The bar usage gave its name to the rocks glass, the short heavy-bottomed tumbler these drinks are served in.
