rolling the dice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rolling the dice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to taking a risk and leaving the outcome to chance. For example, "I am rolling the dice and hoping that my investment will pay off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You roll the dice for the thrill of rolling the dice".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's rolling the dice.

The New Yorker

We're rolling the dice here.

University of California, Berkeley

"Now we're rolling the dice!

The New York Times

"They are rolling the dice," he said.

The New York Times

He was rolling the dice".

The New Yorker

We are not rolling the dice.

The New York Times

"He was rolling the dice a lot.

The New York Times

"We're rolling the dice," Hoffman acknowledged.

The New York Times - Sports

Going to trial, it's said, is like rolling the dice.

Harvard University

For rolling the dice, the payoff is potentially immense.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "Rolling the dice" is an idiom, so it's best suited for informal to neutral settings. In formal or technical writing, a more direct term like "taking a risk" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "rolling the dice" when the situation involves calculated risks based on careful assessment. The idiom implies a significant degree of uncertainty, so using it inappropriately can misrepresent the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rolling the dice" functions as an idiomatic expression. It's used to describe the act of taking a significant risk where the outcome is uncertain and relies heavily on chance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rolling the dice" is a very common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe taking a significant risk where the outcome is uncertain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral contexts and should be avoided in highly formal or technical writing where more direct language is preferred. Alternatives like "taking a gamble" or "taking a chance" offer similar meanings, but may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a gamble

Replaces "rolling the dice" with a more explicit gambling metaphor, emphasizing the risk involved.

gambling on it

Similar to "taking a gamble", but slightly more informal.

leaving it to chance

Focuses on the lack of control over the outcome, emphasizing the randomness.

taking a chance

A more general term for taking a risk, less specific than "rolling the dice".

trusting to luck

Highlights the reliance on good fortune for a positive outcome.

taking a shot in the dark

Implies a low probability of success, adding a sense of desperation to the risk.

risking it all

Emphasizes the high stakes and potential for significant loss.

playing with fire

Suggests a dangerous risk with potentially severe consequences.

going out on a limb

Suggests taking a risk that could leave one vulnerable or exposed.

taking a leap of faith

Implies a risk taken with strong belief but without concrete evidence.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "rolling the dice"?

Saying someone is "rolling the dice" means they are taking a significant risk where the outcome is uncertain and largely dependent on chance.

How can I use "rolling the dice" in a sentence?

You can use "rolling the dice" to describe a situation where someone is taking a gamble, such as, "By investing in that startup, they were "rolling the dice" with their savings."

What are some alternatives to saying "rolling the dice"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "taking a gamble", "taking a chance", or "leaving it to chance" as alternatives to "rolling the dice".

Is "rolling the dice" appropriate for formal writing?

While "rolling the dice" is widely understood, it's generally better suited for informal or neutral writing. In formal contexts, consider using more direct phrases like "taking a risk" or "assuming the risk."