What is the origin of the phrase "let the chips fall where they may"?
I don’t think any of the previous answers really capture the meaning of this idiomatic phrase. It doesn’t mean “Don’t sweat the small stuff; focus on the important priorities.” What it does mean (as we all know when we use the phrase, even if we can’t put it into words) is, you are about to take some consequential action; go ahead, take the action, and let the consequences be whatever destiny determines. The idea is not to be deterred by the unknowable consequences of a significant action; instead, take that action and let the consequences unfold beyond our control.The word “fall” implies that the consequences might not be at all desirable and will surely be out of human control, instead controlled by chance; nonetheless the action must be taken. On the other hand, the phrase seems to attribute some kind of agency to the chips: not “let them go wherever conditions make them go” but rather “let them go where they will, wherever they may do what they want (fall where they may).The phrase is very precise and never varies: “Let” (don’t try to control) “the chips” (never shards or pieces or fragments) “fall” (be drawn to the ground) “where” (never “wherever”) “they may” (as if they could decide where to fall).My guess is that the phrase is much more ancient than the 19th century. Like the phrase “one in the hand is worth two in the bush” or “strike while the iron is hot”, we all know just what it means even though we don’t know how it came to be, or when. Often such phrases originate with Shakespeare or an ancient playright, or Julius Caesar (who said, “The die is cast” meaning not coloring dye but a single one of the dice). And if someone could relate them to gambling chips meant to be cast in certain directions, I wouldn’t be surprised.I do agree with the other answerers that the falling chips are most likely wood chips. Humans have been striking wood and launching wood chips (shield your eyes!) for thousands of years using tools of stone and then metal. Strike knowing that the consequences will fall in the control not of the chopper, but the elemental spirits, natural forces, and destiny.
What is the meaning of stumble upon?
It means to come across/find something accidentally.I stumbled upon this piece of information while i was looking for my watch.I stumbled upon him in Rome while I was an intern.In the first sentence, he/she wasn’t looking for the information but found it while doing something else. - An accident(a good one i hope)In the second sentence, he/she met someone she didn't hope to see in that place at that time.There you have it - I have stumbled upon this question while i was looking for funny questions on Quora.
What does the phrase "a stumble may prevent a fall" mean?
If you fail in some minor way (i.e. a stumble) this might prevent you from failing in a major way later (a fall). Especially as this earlier, smaller mistake might make you aware of the potential pitfalls in what you are doing and therefore would prevent you making the same mistakes again (perhaps a bigger, more impactful way).An example might be, say you are taking photographs of a party on a camera with a viewfinder - and one hour in someone tells you your lens cap is still on. The photos you’ve taken already are worthless - you’ve stumbled - but now you can fix this, and move on taking photos in the correct way for the rest of the party - preventing the fall, (which would be no good photos at all).
What is a short fall?
Especially in American football, and in golf, to fall short of a goal is to attempt a measure of performance and fail. Fourth down and you need 10 yards. You gained 6. You needed your fairway stroke to reach the green. You land in the fairway requiring a club that offers lift rather than the precision of a putt across a green.Turn it around and a “short fall” is, generically, an instance of missing the mark, of failing to perform up to a standard or, more often, an ideal or desired requirement.
Legally, how deep can I dig?
First off you must call miss utility or whatever utility marking organization is in your area before you dig regardless of how deep and with what you intend to dig with. Secondly for an excavation of the size and scope you are intending or any large scale excavation (think crawlspace, basement, and so on) you will need a land disturbing permit to dig the hole. You will also need a building permit to build the structure. I doubt very seriously you will be granted a permit to dig 656 feet deep. If you do dig that deep you will most likely hit water especially if you are in an area that is below sea level. Most wells in our area are between 50-120' deep. Assuming you do get a permit to dig and/or blast that deep you will need to understand soil classification, identification, excavation methods, shoring methods, and if you hire anyone to assist you all the OSHA laws and regulations regarding excavation and blasting.
Is it a penalty if I accidentally drop my club in a hazard.?
This is covered in Rule 13-4 in the Rules of Golf. To quote the exact rule: "Except as provided in the Rules, before making a stroke at a ball that is in a hazard (whether a bunker or a water hazard) or that, having been lifted from a hazard, may be dropped or placed in the hazard, the player must not: a. Test the condition of the hazard or any similar hazard; b. Touch the ground in the hazard or water in the water hazard with his hand or a club; or c. Touch or move a loose impediment lying in or touching the hazard. Exceptions: 1. Provided nothing is done that constitutes testing the condition of the hazard or improves the lie of the ball, there is no penalty if the player (a) touches the ground or loose impediments in any hazard or water in a water hazard as a result of or to prevent falling, in removing an obstruction, in measuring or in marking the position of, retrieving, lifting, placing or replacing a ball under any Rule or (b) places his clubs in a hazard. 2. After making the stroke, if the ball is still in the hazard or has been lifted from thehazard and may be dropped or placed in the hazard, the player may smooth sand or soil in the hazard, provided nothing is done to breach Rule 13-2 with respect to his next stroke. If the ball is outside the hazard after the stroke, the player may smooth sand or soil in the hazard without restriction. 3. If the player makes a stroke from a hazard and the ball comes to rest in another hazard, Rule 13-4a does not apply to any subsequent actions taken in the hazard from which the stroke was made. Note: At any time, including at address or in the backward movement for the stroke, the player may touch, with a club or otherwise, any obstruction, any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course or any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing. Penalty For Breach of Rule: Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes." This means that if you accidentally drop your club, drop your club while falling, or put your hands out to catch yourself falling, you do not incur any penalty. Hope this helps and good luck!!