snake eyes: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "snake eyes" is used to describe rolling two ones on a pair of dice. It is commonly believed that this idiom originated from the idea that a pair of ones on dice resembles the eyes of a snake. This association likely led to the use of "snake eyes" to represent bad luck or a losing outcome. In the world of gambling, rolling snake eyes is considered extremely unlucky. It results in an automatic loss for the roller and often represents a negative outcome in various games.

Etymologically, the term "snake eyes" was first recorded in the early 20th century, specifically in the context of gambling. The phrase gradually entered the mainstream and has since been widely used in both literal and figurative senses. Its use has extended beyond the world of gambling and entered popular culture, appearing in various forms of media such as films, books, and songs. It is often used to convey the idea of a disastrous or unfortunate turn of events.

The idiom "snake eyes" and the related idiom "dice roll" are interconnected. Both phrases refer to the outcome of rolling dice in a game. While "snake eyes" specifically refers to rolling two ones, "dice roll" is a more general term that encompasses any outcome of rolling dice. Rolling snake eyes is a specific type of dice roll, one that is considered extremely unlucky.

Another related idiom is "roll of the dice," which also refers to the act of rolling dice in a game. It emphasizes the element of chance and uncertainty, as the outcome of a dice roll is unpredictable. Rolling snake eyes is a prime example of a negative outcome that can occur with a roll of the dice.

Similarly, the idiom "roll the dice" refers to the action of rolling dice, often implying a willingness to take a risk or make a decision with an unknown outcome. Rolling snake eyes is an example of a dice roll with a highly unfavorable outcome, reinforcing the notion of risk and potential misfortune.

The idiom "down on one's luck" is also closely related to "snake eyes." It describes a period of unfortunate circumstances or bad luck. Rolling snake eyes can be seen as a manifestation of being "down on one's luck," as it represents a losing outcome and a stroke of misfortune in a game.

The idiom "snake eyes" derives from the association between a pair of ones on dice and the eyes of a snake. It is commonly used to refer to the unlucky outcome of rolling two ones. The idiom is deeply rooted in the world of gambling and represents misfortune and an unfavorable outcome. It has been widely used in both literal and figurative senses, appearing in popular culture as a symbol of disastrous or unfortunate events. In conjunction with related idioms such as "dice roll," "roll of the dice," "roll the dice," and "down on one's luck," "snake eyes" further emphasizes the element of chance, risk, and misfortune in various situations.