Is there an expression in English to describe an event that is highly anticipated (like a plan that someone has worked on for a long time to make happen and everyone around anticipates good results) but there is 50/50 that the hard work might not actually pay off?
Thank you!
One expression is
It's in the lap of the gods.
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.
From Farlex.
I doubt you can find an expression which means anticipation and bears the fifty-fifty chance connotation as well.
You can use toss-up with a verb that expresses anticipation. Cambridge says
If you describe a situation as a toss-up, you mean that either of two possibilities is equally likely:
- It was a toss-up who would win, right to the end of the game.
OxfordL labels it informal and spells it in one word:
a situation in which any of two or more outcomes or options is equally possible or equally attractive.
- In the end it was a toss-up between the mussels, the crispy prawn parcels, and the smoked trout.
