no dice
Meaning
No; not possible; no agreement or success (a refusal or failure).
Origin
From gambling with dice: if there are “no dice,” the game can’t proceed and you can’t win. By the early 20th century it came to mean “no go / no success.”
Notes
Casual, punchy way to say “no” or “it didn’t work,” often after trying to negotiate or attempt something.
Examples
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I asked my boss for Friday off, but it was no dice.
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We tried to get a refund without the receipt—no dice.
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I thought I could talk my way into the club, but no dice.
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They searched the attic for the missing keys, but no dice.
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I offered to pay in installments, but the landlord said no dice.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a standalone response (“No dice.”) or after a clause (“I tried, but no dice.”). Fixed form; rarely pluralized or modified.
Synonyms
- no go
- no luck
- didn't work
- not happening
- no deal
Antonyms
- yes
- it worked
- success
- approved
- deal