no dice

Idioms  

1. Also, no go; no soap. No, certainly not; also, impossible. For example, Anthony wanted to borrow my new coat, but Mom said no dice, or We tried to rent the church for the wedding, but it's no go for the date you picked, or Jim asked Dad to help pay for the repairs, but Dad said no soap. All of these slangy expressions indicate refusal or an unsuccessful attempt. No dice, from the 1920s, alludes to an unlucky throw in gambling; no go, alluding to lack of progress, dates from about 1820; and no soap dates from about 1920 and possibly alludes to the phrase it won't wash, meaning “it won't find acceptance.” Also see nothing doing; won't wash.

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Example Sentences

He continues to tour hospitals and morgues, following possible leads sent to him from other family members, who continue to dig through rubble.

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

The quakes marked the start of a terrifying night for Venezuelans, as the aftershocks drove families into streets, parks and cars while rescue crews struggled to dig through rubble in search of survivors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

Barker was also able to dig into his father's background, learning he had three half-brothers and a half-sister.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

That’s why is pays to dig deeper and look at the raw or actual jobless claims, which the federal government collects from all states.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

There were hundreds of bulbs to be planted; Penelope grew weary thinking of all the holes he would have to dig.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• fruitless
• hollow
• impractical
• ineffective
• ineffectual
• insufficient
• trivial
• unproductive
• unprofitable
• unsuccessful
• useless
• vain
• worthless