On the rocks
prepositional phrase
A relationship, organization or project is having trouble and may end soon.
Their marriage is on the rocks.
Often appears as...
- marriage is on the rocks
- relationship is on the rocks
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
prepositional phrase
A drink, especially whisky or gin, served with ice.
He ordered a whisky on the rocks.
Often appears as...
- whisky on the rocks
- brandy on the rocks
prepositional phrase
Situated on a rocky area or coastline.
They built a lighthouse on the rocks near the harbor.
Often appears as...
- sit on the rocks
- dwell on the rocks
prepositional phrase
A relationship, organization or project is having trouble and may end soon.
Their marriage is on the rocks.
Often appears as...
- marriage is on the rocks
- relationship is on the rocks
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
prepositional phrase
A drink, especially whisky or gin, served with ice.
He ordered a whisky on the rocks.
Often appears as...
- whisky on the rocks
- brandy on the rocks
prepositional phrase
Situated on a rocky area or coastline.
They built a lighthouse on the rocks near the harbor.
Often appears as...
- sit on the rocks
- dwell on the rocks
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Usage
It's used metaphorically to describe instability or potential failure in relationships or entities.
The company's future is on the rocks after the scandal.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Context
This phrase is often used in negative situations, rarely in positive contexts.
His career as a director is on the rocks.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Expression
It's casual language, fitting less formal communication like everyday conversation.
I heard their partnership is on the rocks.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Usage
It's used metaphorically to describe instability or potential failure in relationships or entities.
The company's future is on the rocks after the scandal.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Context
This phrase is often used in negative situations, rarely in positive contexts.
His career as a director is on the rocks.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Expression
It's casual language, fitting less formal communication like everyday conversation.
I heard their partnership is on the rocks.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Usage
It's used metaphorically to describe instability or potential failure in relationships or entities.
The company's future is on the rocks after the scandal.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Context
This phrase is often used in negative situations, rarely in positive contexts.
His career as a director is on the rocks.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Expression
It's casual language, fitting less formal communication like everyday conversation.
I heard their partnership is on the rocks.
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