SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

a roll of the dice

Definition of a roll of the dice

informal

—used to say that something could have either a good result or a bad result

Opening a new restaurant is always a roll of the dice.

It's a roll of the dice whether we succeed or fail.

Word by Word Definitions

roll play

: a written document that may be rolled up : scroll
: a manuscript book
: a list of names or related items : catalog

: to impel forward by causing to turn over and over on a surface
: to cause to revolve by turning over and over on or as if on an axis
: to cause to move in a circular manner

: a sound produced by rapid strokes on a drum
: a sonorous and often rhythmical flow of speech
: a heavy reverberatory sound

See the full definition of roll

dice play

: die
: a gambling game played with dice
: a small cubical piece (as of food)

: to cut into small cubes
: to ornament with square markings
: to bring by playing dice

See the full definition of dice

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up a roll of the dice? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

legerity

play

alert quickness of mind or body

Words at Play

alt-59c52d6ee2f72

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

The word's origins are quite literal

alt-59c4207ecf106

Let's Talk 'Tea'

Spill it, sip it: just make it hot.

8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

Common terms that come from boxing and wrestling

alt-59c2960017c94

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

When you push a meeting, where does it go?

Ask the Editors

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

video-irregardless-grammar-peeve-blend-of-the-synonyms-irrespective-and-regardless

Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

video-moose-goose-weird-plurals

Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

young-plant-shoots

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

You're going to have to memorize the dictionary again.

Take the quiz

stylized-drawing-of-woman-pole-vaulting-across-gap-to-get-trophy

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

Take the quiz

Name That Thing

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

Take the quiz

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

Play the game