Definition

Noun phrase: - Beyond human control or responsibility; subject to fate or chance: This phrase describes a situation where the outcome is entirely uncertain and no further human action can influence it. It implies that the result now depends on luck, destiny, or divine will.

Usage

This phrase is used to express that a situation is out of one's hands and its resolution is unpredictable. It often follows a period of effort or preparation. - We've done all we can to prepare for the launch; the success is in the lap of the gods now. - I've submitted my application and had the interview. Whether I get the job is in the lap of the gods.

Advanced Usage

• To leave something to the lap of the gods: To cease trying to control a situation and accept that fate will decide the outcome.
  • After months of campaigning, the candidate decided to leave the final result to the lap of the gods.

Variants and Related Words

• In the hands of fate: A similar phrase meaning dependent on destiny.
• A toss-up: An informal idiom for an uncertain outcome between two possibilities.
• A crapshoot: A slang term for a venture with an unpredictable outcome.

Synonyms

• Out of our hands
• In the hands of fate
• Up to chance

Related Idioms

• In the hands of God: A more explicitly religious synonym.
• A leap in the dark: An action taken without knowing the consequences.
• Wait and see: An instruction to be patient for an uncertain outcome, often used after stating something is in the lap of the gods.

Noun

1. beyond human control or responsibility; it's in the lap of the gods now"
   • there is nothing more I can do