on the rocks
/ɒn ðə ˈrɒks/INFORMAL · B2
Meaning
having serious problems and likely to end soon
Examples
- 1Their marriage was on the rocks, so they started seeing a counsellor every week.
- 2Rumours say the couple's relationship is on the rocks after months of arguing.
- 3Aisha and Tom barely talk any more; I think their relationship is on the rocks.
- 4Is your marriage really on the rocks, or are you just going through a difficult month?
- 5By the time their friendship was on the rocks, they only spoke to argue about money.
Grammar
Usually after be, about a marriage, relationship or friendship. rocks stays plural.
More idioms about relationships
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →a shoulder to cry onsomeone who listens to your problems and comforts youlove at first sightan instant strong attraction the moment two people meetthrough thick and thinin good times and bad timeson the same wavelengthunderstanding each other easily because you think alikeplay hard to getto pretend to be less interested in someone than you area match made in heaventwo people who suit each other perfectly
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
Here you get a couple of questions. The app gives you 16 practice modes, native equivalents and spaced repetition that tells you when it’s time to refresh.
