Cool MateCan't roll the dice on it vs Risk
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Can't roll the dice on it
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Risk
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Most formal: RiskMost common: Risk
| Can't roll the dice on it | Risk | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kɑːnt roʊl ðə daɪs ɒn ɪt//🇺🇸 //kænt roʊl ðə daɪs ɑn ɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪsk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪsk/"]/ |
| Meaning | You can't depend on or take a risk with it. | the chance of something bad happening |
| Example | I can't roll the dice on it; I need a more solid plan. | There is a risk involved in investing in the stock market. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | roll the dice on a decision, can't roll the dice on a project, roll the dice on uncertainty | big, considerable, enormous, degree, level, element, face, run, take, outweigh something, group, factor, assessment, at risk, at risk from, at risk of, at your own risk, an increase in risk, a reduction in risk, big, considerable, enormous, degree, level, element, face, run, take, outweigh something, group, factor, assessment, at risk, at risk from, at risk of, at your own risk, an increase in risk, a reduction in risk, big, considerable, enormous, degree, level, element, face, run, take, outweigh something, group, factor, assessment, at risk, at risk from, at risk of, at your own risk, an increase in risk, a reduction in risk |
| Antonyms | - | safety, certainty |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'take a gamble on it'., Misusing in formal contexts., Incorrectly assuming it means 'rotate' instead of 'take a risk'. | Confusing risk with danger - risk is about possibility, while danger implies a higher chance of harm., Using 'risks' as a singular noun - remember to use the correct plural or singular form., Omitting the object when saying 'risk' - always specify what is being risked. |
| Usage notes | This phrase is used in casual conversations, often to express uncertainty or caution. It's not suitable for formal writing or speech. | Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. When discussing financial matters, 'risk' is frequent; however, it may not be appropriate in casual conversation about personal matters unless framed carefully. |
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Frequently asked questions: Can't roll the dice on it vs Risk
What's the difference between Can't roll the dice on it and Risk?
Can't roll the dice on it: You can't depend on or take a risk with it. Risk: the chance of something bad happening
Which is more formal: Can't roll the dice on it and Risk?
Risk is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Can't roll the dice on it and Risk?
Risk is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Can't roll the dice on it: I can't roll the dice on it; I need a more solid plan. Risk: There is a risk involved in investing in the stock market.
Can I use Can't roll the dice on it and Risk interchangeably?
Not always. Can't roll the dice on it and Risk are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.