on the rocks

Meaning

When a relationship is 'on the rocks,' it is experiencing difficulties, instability, or is close to failing. This idiom is most often used to describe romantic relationships or marriages that are going through a rough patch. While casual, it carries a concerned or sympathetic tone.

Examples

• I heard their marriage has been on the rocks for a few months now.

  I heard their marriage has been on the rocks for a few months now.

• They tried going to couples therapy because their relationship was on the rocks.

  They tried going to couples therapy because their relationship was on the rocks.

• Don't bring up wedding plans; I think things are a bit on the rocks with them.

  Don't bring up wedding plans; I think things are a bit on the rocks with them.

• Their partnership went on the rocks after they couldn't agree on financial decisions.

  Their partnership went on the rocks after they couldn't agree on financial decisions.

• We had a tough year where things were on the rocks, but we worked through it.

  We had a tough year where things were on the rocks, but we worked through it.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Their marriage is in the rocks.

  ✓ Their marriage is on the rocks.

  The correct preposition for this idiom is always 'on', not 'in' or 'at'.

• ✗ They are on the rocks of their relationship.

  ✓ Their relationship is on the rocks.

  'On the rocks' functions as a predicate adjective phrase describing the state of the relationship. You do not need to add 'of their relationship' to the end.

Related Expressions

Practice

• After months of arguing, it was clear their relationship was ___.

  💡 Experiencing severe difficulties or close to breaking up.

  Show answer

  on the rocks

• I hope they don't break up, but everyone knows things have been ___ lately.

  💡 Unstable or in trouble.

  Show answer

  on the rocks