no dice

English

Etymology

A term used in the game craps when the dice land off the table, invalidating the throw.

Pronunciation

• enPR: nō dīs

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Phrase

no dice

1. (idiomatic) An unacceptable alternative.
2. (idiomatic) An unfavorable result.
3. (informal) Used to express a negative outcome or decision.

   We looked all over the house for it. No dice.

   The board considered the proposal at the meeting, but no dice for now.

   • 1958, Cochran, Ray Edward, Capehart, Jerry Neil, “Summertime Blues”‎^[1] (vinyl), performed by Cochran, Ray Edward, Liberty Records, →OCLC, B-side "Love Again":

     I′m a-gonna raise a fuss, I'm a-gonna raise a holler / About a-workin′ all summer just-a tryin' to earn a dollar / Every time I call my baby, try to get a date / My boss says "No dice son, you gotta work late"

See also

• no-go
• no joy
• no soap

Anagrams

• Condie, codein, coined, dicone, incode