best laid plans »
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the outcome is uncertain.
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come to grief »
To have a disastrous outcome.
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damned if one does and damned if one doesn't »
A dilemma where either choice results in a negative outcome.
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go from zero to hero »
To change from negative outcome to positive outcome. To improve one's fortunes significantly.
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hit the jackpot »
To realise a huge load of luck; to receive a more favorable outcome than imagined.
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lady or tiger »
A pure gamble with highly divergent outcomes.
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live by the sword, die by the sword »
One who uses violence can expect a violent response. It is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible.(figuratively) One can expect dire outcomes from any vice; used to convey poetic justice.
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matter of course »
A natural or logical outcome.
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matter of course »
An expected or customary outcome.
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music to one's ear »
Some unexpected good news; a favorable outcome after some initial confusion or delay.
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nip and tuck »
So evenly matched that the advantage shifts from one to the other, and the outcome is uncertain.
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no joy »
A negative outcome.
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object lesson »
Anything used an example or lesson which serves to warn others as to the outcomes that result from a particular action or behavior, as exemplified by the fates of those who followed that course.
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root cause »
An initiating cause of a chain of events which leads to an outcome or effect of interest.
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slippery slope »
A chain of events that, once initiated, cannot be halted; especially one in which the final outcome is undesirable or precarious.
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smell the barn »
To experience heightened anticipation or to act with renewed speed or energy as one approaches a destination, goal, or other desired outcome, like a livestock animal at day's end returning to its barn.
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the end justifies the means »
Morally wrong actions are sometimes necessary to achieve morally right outcomes; actions can only be considered morally right or wrong by virtue of the morality of the outcome.
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timing is everything »
Consideration of other events can greatly influence some desired outcome (such as an audience laughing to a comedian's joke).Telling the old joke about a butt-crack was not a good idea, just as the plumber arrived, Bob.You know what they say: "timing is everything." I'm sure we can find another plumber before the house floods.
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toss-up »
A decision in which neither choice is clearly favorable or unfavorable, or for which the outcome does not matter.
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toss-up »
Either of two outcomes that are equally likely.
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touch-and-go »
Precarious, delicate, dangerous, risky, sensitive or of uncertain outcome.
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whistle past the graveyard »
To attempt to stay cheerful in a dire situation; To proceed with a task, ignoring an upcoming hazard, hoping for a good outcome.
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wild-goose chase »
A task whose execution is inordinately complex relative to the value of the outcome.
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you can't say fairer than that »
That is good, reasonable, or fair; one cannot hope for a better decision or outcome.
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