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: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 52. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.