Idiom – No dice.
Meaning – No. Not possible. This expression is used to refuse a request, to make it clear that something is not possible.
This idiom is common in America and Australia.
The expression no dice probably originates from gambling. In the early part of the 20th century gambling was illegal in the USA but courts could only convict casinos and gamblers if dice were found. The phrase no dice – no convictions developed into today’s expression over time. (Source: The Phrase Finder)
Usage:
- When you‘re trying to get a better deal on something but the other person won‘t budge.
- A colleague is making unreasonable demands and you can‘t agree.
- When you‘re hoping for a different outcome but it‘s not available.
- Your partner is asking for something that is impossible to achieve!
Example:
- “I asked my boss for a promotion and a pay-rise. No dice.“
In The News:
Disappointed voters ask electors to reject Trump. No dice.
Discuss:
- Is there an idiom like this in your country?
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.
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