Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

let the chips fall where they may

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.13 in modern English

Syllables: let the chip-s -fal-l where they -may
IPA

57

Scrabble Score

27

Letters

5

Syllables

14

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To allow events to unfold naturally; to accept what occurs without prejudice, worry, or regret.

Example Sentences

"[H]e said tinny things to me, thinks like . . . "I want to talk cold turkey to you, man to man!" And he took me down to what he called his "den" in order that we might ". . . call a spade a spade, and let the chips fall where they may.""
""My agenda is to let the Council members come into their own, to be freethinkers and push what they think is right, and let the chips fall where they may," Mr. Vallone said."
""We acted very directly, very swiftly, we told the truth and we'll let the investigation play out and let the chips fall where they may.""

Etymology

Originally a woodcutting metaphor (in full, “hew to the line and let the chips fall where they may”), but now often associated with poker chips.

Inflected Forms

lets the chips fall where they may (present, singular) letting the chips fall where they may (participle, present)

Phrases

take things as they come

Frequently Paired Words

take things as they come

Synonyms

let the dice fall where they may

Questions

What does let the chips fall where they may mean?: To allow events to unfold naturally; to accept what occurs without prejudice, worry, or regret.
Where does let the chips fall where they may come from?: Originally a woodcutting metaphor (in full, “hew to the line and let the chips fall where they may”), but now often associated with poker chips.

How to pronounce let the chips fall where they may

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