to accept the natural outcome of a situation without interference
example
We’ve done all we can, so let the chips fall where they may.
word origin — From woodcutting — wood chips fly unpredictably when chopping; their landing place isn't worth controlling.
Idioms — Set 52
Set 52 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: let the chips fall where they may, throw cold water on something, be on the back burner, the ball is in your court, move the goalposts. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
let the chips fall where they may · idiom/lɛt ðə tʃɪps fɔl wɛr ðeɪ meɪ/
to accept the natural outcome of a situation without interference
We’ve done all we can, so let the chips fall where they may.
Origin: From woodcutting — wood chips fly unpredictably when chopping; their landing place isn't worth controlling.
throw cold water on something · idiom/θroʊ koʊld ˈwɔɾɚ ɔn ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
to criticize or discourage something
The manager threw cold water on the idea, saying it was too risky.
Origin: From the 1700s — throwing cold water onto a fire extinguishes it, like dampening someone's excitement.
be on the back burner · idiom/bi ɔn ðə bæk ˈbɜrnɚ/
to delay or deprioritize something
That project isn’t a priority right now, so it’s on the back burner.
Origin: From the 1950s American kitchens — pots moved to the back burner cooked slowly while the front got main attention.
the ball is in your court · idiom/ðə bɔl ɪz ɪn jʊr kɔrt/
to indicate that it is someone else’s turn to make a decision
I’ve given you my advice, now the ball is in your court.
Origin: From tennis — when the ball lands in your court, you alone must respond and decide the next move.
move the goalposts · idiom/muv ðə ˈɡoʊlpoʊsts/
to change the rules unfairly to make success more difficult
They keep moving the goalposts by adding new requirements to the project.
Origin: From British football — moving goalposts during a match would unfairly make scoring impossible for the other team.