devil's bones
A player shakes the devil's bones in their hand before rolling them on the table.
Noun (plural in form, used with a singular or plural verb): - Dice: "devil's bones" is an informal, old-fashioned term for dice, the small cubes used in gambling and games of chance. The name likely derives from the association of dice with gambling (considered sinful or "devilish") and the fact that early dice were often made from animal bones.
- (He gambled away all his money using dice.)
- (The sailor produced dice for a game of chance.)
- (Possessing dice was considered morally wrong.)
"to rattle the devil's bones": to shake and throw dice, especially in a gambling context.
- The gamblers gathered around the table, eager to rattle the devil's bones and try their luck. (They prepared to throw the dice and gamble.)
"the devil's bones are hot": a phrase meaning that luck is favoring a player in a dice game.
- "Don't bet against him tonight — the devil's bones are hot!" (He is having a lucky streak with the dice.)
Dice (n): the standard modern term for small cubes with numbered faces used in games.
- We need a pair of dice to play this board game. (We require the cubes to play.)
Bones (n): a slang term for dice, derived from the original material (animal bone).
- He shook the bones and rolled a seven. (He shook the dice and got a seven.)
- Dice: the most common and neutral term.
- Ivories: slang for dice, especially those made from ivory (historically common).
- Craps: a specific dice game, but sometimes used metonymically for the dice themselves.
"No bones about it": to be straightforward or honest (not directly related to dice, but shares the "bones" root).
- There are no bones about it — he cheated at the table. (It is clear he cheated.)
"To make no bones about something": to state something openly without hesitation.
- She made no bones about her dislike for gambling. (She expressed her opinion directly.)
Note: "devil's bones" is a historical or literary term, rarely used in modern conversation except for stylistic effect. It carries a strong connotation of superstition, sin, or moral disapproval of gambling.