let the chips fall where they may

L

let the chips fall where they may

Meaning:

• let something happen, no matter what happens after that
• no matter what the consequences
• do something without worrying about the effects
• allow events to unfold naturally, without intervention
• accept what occurs

Example:

1. Honesty demands that you tell the truth about what happened, and let the chips fall where they may.
2. I’m going to admit my mistake to him and let the chips fall where they may.
3. Bob decided to tell his wife about his adultery and let the chips fall where they may.
4. I’ll tell my boss that I couldn’t finish the work on time as I had left early yesterday; let the chips fall where they may.
5. He decided to go ahead with his plan, though it was risky, and let the chips fall where they may.
6. You have to tell Sam how you feel about him, let the chips fall where they may.
7. Just go ahead and do your thing, let the chips fall where they may.

Origin:
This phrase originated in America in the late 1800s and has reference to chopping wood. It implies that a woodcutter should focus on cutting logs and not worry about where the small pieces (chips) fall.