On the rocks Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹɑks
AWN-thuh-RAWKS
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /ɹˈɒks
ON-thuh-ROKS
Definition
This phrase can mean a drink served over ice cubes, or a relationship or situation experiencing serious problems.
Usage & Nuances
Common in bar contexts: 'whiskey on the rocks'. For relationships, can be serious: 'Their marriage is on the rocks.' Not used for everything in trouble—mainly drinks or relationships/situations.
Spanish: en las rocas (bebida) - en problemas (relación, situación)Portuguese (BR): com gelo (bebida) - em crise (relacionamento, situação)Portuguese (PT): com gelo (bebida) - em crise (relacionamento, situação)Chinese (Simplified): 加冰（饮品）- 陷入危机（关系或情况）Chinese (Traditional): 加冰（飲品）- 陷入危機（關係或情況）Hindi: बर्फ़ के साथ (पेय) - मुश्किल में (रिश्ता या स्थिति)Arabic: مع الثلج (مشروب) - في ورطة (علاقة أو حالة)Bengali: বরফ দিয়ে - কঠিন সমস্যা (সম্পর্ক/পরিস্থিতি)Russian: со льдом - на грани развала (об отношениях)Japanese: オン・ザ・ロック - 危機的状況（関係など）Vietnamese: với đá - gặp trục trặc (mối quan hệ/tình huống)Korean: 온더록 - 위기(관계/상황)Turkish: buzlu - sallantıda (ilişki/durum)Urdu: برف کے ساتھ - مشکلات کا شکار (رشتہ/صورتحال)Indonesian: dengan es batu - sedang bermasalah (hubungan/situasi)
Example Sentences
He always orders his whiskey on the rocks.
basic
Their friendship is on the rocks after the argument.
basic
Can I get a cola on the rocks?
basic
After years of fighting, their marriage is really on the rocks.
natural
"Vodka on the rocks," she said, trying to sound sophisticated.
natural
The project hit some bumps and now it's on the rocks.
natural