# snake eyes

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/snake-eyes
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Two ones, after rolling two dice.

## Examples

- I lost the game because I rolled snake eyes.
- He needed a high number to win, but he rolled snake eyes instead.
- The gambler watched in silence as the dice landed on snake eyes, signaling the end of his winning streak.

## Origin

Attested as a term in the game of craps, snake eyes is a compound formed from the visual resemblance of two single pips to the eyes of a snake. The two ones on a pair of dice are thus associated with the reptile’s gaze and the subsequent loss of the player's stake.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.