lap of the gods, in the
in the lap of the gods
Decided upon or controlled by luck, chance, or fate; outside of one's control or influence. Whether we'll get enough rainfall this year for an adequate harvest is entirely in the lap of the gods. The health of the team's star player is in the lap of the gods at this point.
See also: god, lap, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
lap of the gods, in the
Beyond one's control, in the hands of providence. For example, She's done what she can to expedite matters; now it's in the lap of the gods. This expression is a translation from Homer's Iliad, in which Automedon, the charioteer of Achilles and Patroclos, said the battle's outcome was "in the lap of the gods." Lap of the gods has also been translated as knees of the gods.
See also: lap, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- in the lap of the gods
- at (one's) doorstep
- at doorstep
- at expense
- at somebody's expense
- at someone's expense
- at (one's) expense
- (one's) old man
- (one's) old lady
- at door