on the rocks
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.”
How to Use On the rocks
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWith ice in it — or, about a relationship, close to breaking down.
Informal but standard in both senses.
Context decides the sense instantly: a drink or a relationship. There is no overlap.
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
I'll have a whisky _____, please.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
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.