The idiom "roll the dice" means taking a chance or risking something for a particular outcome. It suggests that you are taking an action whose results are uncertain, like rolling dice in a game where the outcome depends on luck. It's like saying, "I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm willing to find out."
In short:
The phrase "roll the dice" refers to taking a risk or making a gamble. When you "roll the dice," you're taking a chance where the result is uncertain, like making a decision that could either turn out great or bad. It highlights that you're stepping into the unknown, willing to risk something for a particular goal.
Let's break down its core meanings and usage:
The phrase "roll the dice" has its roots in gambling, specifically games that use a six-sided die. When people roll the dice, they often hope to get a specific number, usually 7, in many traditional games. The phrase has since been metaphorically extended to mean taking a risk or chance on something uncertain. It encapsulates the idea of unpredictability and the hope for a favorable outcome. The term "die," the singular form of "dice," originates from Old French "dé" and Latin "datum," which refers to "something given.
"'Roll the dice, you young hedgehog,' snarled the sergeant."
- Philippine Magazine, Volume 28, 1931
To help you get a better grasp of how to use this idiom, let's look at some examples from different situations:
The phrase is often found in pop culture, commonly representing the idea of taking a risk for a potentially big reward.
Let's dig into some examples:
There are plenty of options if you're looking for other ways to express the idea of taking a risk or chance.
Here are some of them:
"Roll the dice" has a dual meaning. In a literal sense, it refers to tossing a dice, often as part of a game. Figuratively, it means to take a risk or chance on something uncertain.
You can use "roll the dice" as a verb phrase to indicate that someone is taking a risk or making a decision that has uncertain outcomes. For example: "He rolled the dice when he invested in that startup." Or, "She's going to roll the dice and ask for a promotion.
Yes, the phrase "roll the dice" comes from gambling games that involve throwing dice to determine outcomes. It has since been used more broadly to describe taking any kind of risk.
Definitely. You can use "roll the dice" for significant choices like changing careers, moving to a new place, or entering a relationship. It emphasizes the risk and uncertainty involved.
Mostly, yes. "Roll the dice" usually suggests that there's a gamble involved, whether it's a big or small decision.
Yes, businesses often "roll the dice" when launching a new product, entering a new market, or trying a new strategy. It's a common way to talk about taking calculated risks.
Generally, it's more casual and is often used in everyday conversation. However, it can also appear in more formal discussions about risk and decision-making.
Not necessarily. "Rolling the dice" implies risk, but not recklessness. It can be a calculated risk where you've thought about the pros and cons.
Yes, "roll the dice" is often used in sports to describe a risky play or strategy. For instance, going for a two-point conversion in football when a simple kick would suffice could be described as "rolling the dice."
In decision-making, to "roll the dice" means you're making a choice where the outcome is uncertain. You're aware of the risks and are willing to take them for the potential benefits.
"Roll the dice" is an idiomatic expression that means taking risks or gambling on an uncertain outcome. Specifically, rolling dice refers to the action in many games of chance where dice are rolled to produce a random result, so "roll the dice" implies taking a chance and leaving something to chance rather than exercising control.
Here's a quick recap: