on the rocks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the rocks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a drink served over ice (e.g. scotch on the rocks). For example: "I'd like a vodka martini, on the rocks, with a twist of lemon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Get it on the rocks, neat, or straight up.

WikiHow

Er Scotch on the rocks.

The Economist

DRINK Tequila on the rocks (Carlos).

The New York Times

He drank Scotch on the rocks.

The New York Times - Books

He jumped on the rocks.

The New York Times

Love on the Rocks, obviously.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And you drink J & B on the rocks".

The New York Times

On the rocks," he tells the waiter.

The New York Times

Ms. Turner sipped vodka on the rocks.

The New York Times

The wave has broken on the rocks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A man in Louisiana ordered Scotch-on-the rocks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a romantic relationship failing, ensure that the context makes it clear you're not talking about a literal rocky surface. For example, "After a series of arguments, their marriage was clearly "on the rocks"."

Common error

Avoid using "on the rocks" in contexts where a literal interpretation is possible and unintended. Rephrasing might be necessary to prevent confusion, especially when discussing physical locations. Use an alternative that adds clarity such as "facing difficulties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the rocks" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb, indicating how something is done (e.g., a drink is served). Ludwig shows examples where it clearly describes the manner of serving a drink or the state of a relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the rocks" has two primary meanings: serving a drink with ice or describing a relationship or situation in distress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context to avoid misinterpretations, especially in formal writing. When in doubt, alternative phrases can provide clarity. Always ensure the intended meaning is clear, whether you're ordering a drink or assessing a precarious situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over ice

Specifically refers to serving a drink with ice.

with ice cubes

A more descriptive way of saying a drink is served with ice.

in a difficult situation

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more literal description of trouble.

facing difficulties

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the problems.

in a chilled form

Highlights the drink's temperature due to the presence of ice.

going through a rough patch

Suggests a temporary period of difficulty.

in dire straits

Highlights the severity of the situation.

experiencing hardship

Focuses on the struggle and adversity.

served cold

A simple way of implying that the drink contains ice.

in turmoil

Emphasizes the chaotic and unstable nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "on the rocks" in a sentence?

You can use "on the rocks" to describe a drink served with ice, like "I'll have a whiskey "on the rocks"". It can also mean a relationship or situation is failing, as in "Their business is "on the rocks" after the scandal".

What does it mean when a relationship is described as being "on the rocks"?

When a relationship is "on the rocks", it means it's experiencing serious difficulties and is likely to fail or end. It's a common idiom to express that things aren't going well.

What can I say instead of "on the rocks" (meaning in trouble)?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in trouble", "facing difficulties", or "in dire straits" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "on the rocks" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "on the rocks" is considered an idiom, so its suitability depends on the specific context. In very formal writing, consider a more direct alternative like "facing challenges" or "unstable" to avoid colloquialisms.