roll the dice

USAGE SUMMARY

"roll the dice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an idiom to suggest taking a risk or leaving something to chance (similar to the phrase "take a chance"). For example, "I'm reluctant to invest in the stock market, but I'm willing to roll the dice and see what happens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Just roll the dice.

The New York Times

Mr. Serey decided to roll the dice.

The New York Times

Millions figured: Let's roll the dice.

The Washington Post

"Manny wanted to roll the dice.

The Guardian - Sport

Just shut up and roll the dice.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But don't roll the dice, either.

The New York Times

We decided to roll the dice.

The New York Times

"I said to my mom, let's roll the dice here".

The New York Times

Or we could roll the dice and take the offensive.

The New York Times

Let another owner roll the dice on Howard this season.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"DeLorean and Tucker were roll-the-dice plans," he says.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "roll the dice" when you want to convey the idea of accepting uncertainty and potential risks for a possible reward or outcome. It's particularly effective in situations where the outcome is largely determined by chance.

Common error

Avoid using "roll the dice" when the situation involves a high degree of control or predictability. The phrase implies that the outcome is largely random, so it's not appropriate when skill or careful planning are the primary factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roll the dice" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It's used to describe the act of taking a risk, where the outcome is uncertain and largely dependent on chance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard idiom used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "roll the dice" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe taking a risk with an uncertain outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, and to a lesser extent, in academic and informal writing. While grammatically correct, it's most suitable for neutral to informal contexts. Related phrases include "take a chance" and "take a risk", offering similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a gamble

Implies a deliberate decision to risk something on an uncertain outcome; focuses on the potential reward.

take a chance

A more general term for exposing oneself to risk; suggests a less calculated approach.

take a risk

Highlights the potential for loss or negative consequences; emphasizes the uncertainty involved.

chance it

A more informal way of saying "take a chance"; often used in casual conversation.

gamble on it

Similar to "take a gamble", but can also imply betting on a specific outcome.

try your luck

Suggests that success depends on fortune or fate rather than skill or planning.

take a shot

Implies an attempt at something, with no guarantee of success; often used in situations requiring skill or effort.

play the odds

Implies an attempt at a more risky plan than a safer choice with better guarantees; often used in situations requiring skill or effort.

flyer

Synonym with the expression take a gamble/chance/risk. It's a shorter and less formal form.

venture

Highlights boldness of a certain action without many guarantees of good outcome.

FAQs

What does "roll the dice" mean?

To "roll the dice" means to take a chance or risk, often when the outcome is uncertain and depends on luck. It's similar to gambling, where the result is determined by the random roll of dice.

When is it appropriate to use the expression "roll the dice"?

Use "roll the dice" when you want to describe a situation where someone is taking a significant risk with an uncertain outcome. It's appropriate when the result is not entirely within their control.

Are there any alternatives to "roll the dice"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "take a chance", "take a risk", or "gamble on it" depending on the specific context.

Is "roll the dice" formal or informal?

"Roll the dice" is generally considered an informal expression, suitable for casual conversations and less formal writing. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "take a calculated risk" or "venture".