The Archive

Etymology Journal ยท N

No dice

Meaning

This means that a deal has failed or that your request has been denied. It is often used to signify that a situation is a dead end.

Informal, resigned

Used in a sentence

  • I tried to get an extension on the project, but it was no dice.
  • We asked the landlord for a rent decrease, but it was no dice.
  • He tried to talk his way out of the ticket, but no dice.

The backstory

This phrase likely comes from gambling, specifically craps, where if you do not have the dice to roll, you cannot play or win. It suggests a lack of opportunity or success.

Heard in

Nationwide

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