phrase
on the rocks
on thuh ROKS
On the rocks (phrase) means of a drink, served poured over ice cubes rather than chilled, neat or mixed. Example: “I'll have a whisky on the rocks, please.”
phrase
1
Of a drink, served poured over ice cubes rather than chilled, neat or mixed.
"I'll have a whisky on the rocks, please."
"She drinks her rum on the rocks with a slice of lime."
2
Of a relationship, business or plan, in serious trouble and close to failing.
"Their marriage had been on the rocks for years before anyone admitted it."
"With two clients gone, the agency was on the rocks."
How to use on the rocks
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWith ice in it — or, about a relationship, close to breaking down.
When to use it
Informal but standard in both senses.
Memory tip
Context decides the sense instantly: a drink or a relationship. There is no overlap.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
whisky on the rocks
marriage on the rocks
relationship on the rocks
rocks glass
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I'll have a whisky _____, please.
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.
Synonyms
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Related words
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.
What is the meaning of on the rocks?
"on the rocks" (phrase) means of a drink, served poured over ice cubes rather than chilled, neat or mixed.
