To allow events to unfold naturally without trying to control the outcome; to accept whatever consequences result from an action.
This phrase comes from woodcutting, where chips of wood fly unpredictably when chopping or sawing. The expression gained popularity in 19th-century America, emphasizing the idea that one should focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about uncontrollable consequences.
The woodcutting metaphor is perfect for describing decisive action - when you're chopping wood, you must commit fully to each swing without being distracted by where the chips might land. It embodies a particularly American philosophy of bold action combined with acceptance of unpredictable results.
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