Let the chips fall where they may

Meaning

"Let the chips fall where they may" is an idiomatic expression that means to accept whatever happens as it is, without trying to change or control it. It implies a willingness to take risks and leave the outcome up to chance. The phrase is often used when one wants to convey a sense of resignation or acceptance of a situation.

Usage

• "I'm feeling too tired to fight this battle. Let the chips fall where they may." - This sentence implies that the speaker has given up and is willing to accept whatever happens without trying to change it.
• "We have no idea what the future holds for our business. Let the chips fall where they may." - This sentence suggests that the speaker is not sure how their business will turn out, but they are willing to accept whatever happens as it is.
• "I'm taking a chance on this new project. Let the chips fall where they may." - This sentence implies that the speaker is taking a risk with their project and is willing to accept whatever happens as a result.
• "Our relationship has been rocky for a while now. I think it's time to let the chips fall where they may." - This sentence suggests that the speaker is willing to let go of any lingering issues in their relationship and accept whatever happens as it is.
• "We're going into this negotiation blindfolded. Let the chips fall where they may." - This sentence implies that the speaker is entering a negotiation without knowing what will happen and is willing to accept whatever the outcome may be.

Roots and History

The exact origin of this idiom is unclear, but it has been used since at least the 19th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the game of poker, where players are required to accept whatever cards they receive as fate would have it. Another theory suggests that it comes from the old English phrase "hæafod wealdan," which means to let fall what may or to leave things up to chance. The idiom has remained relatively unchanged in meaning over time.

Synonyms in English

• "Take a leap of faith" - This idiom implies taking a risk and accepting whatever happens as a result.
• "Fly by the seat of one's pants" - This idiom suggests making decisions on the fly without planning or preparation.
• "Go with the flow" - This idiom means to accept the natural course of events and not try to control them.
• "Ride the wave" - This idiom implies going with the flow of events and not trying to resist or change them.
• "Take a chance" - This idiom suggests taking a risk and accepting whatever happens as a result.

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Tirer au sort" - This idiom means to draw one's fate by chance, without trying to control it.
• German: "Zufällig sein" - This idiom suggests being unsure of what will happen and leaving things up to chance.
• Spanish: "Dejar que caigan las cartas donde quieran" - This idiom means to let the chips fall where they may, without trying to control the outcome.
• Italian: "Non fare niente di troppo" - This idiom suggests not trying too hard and letting things happen naturally.
• Chinese: "让自然的发展生长不受干涸" - This idiom means to let nature take its course without interfering or trying to control it.

Similar Idioms

• like a chicken with its head cut off

• laughing stock

• let bygones be bygones