The phrase "falls to the lot" is spelled phonetically as /fɔlz tu ðə lɒt/. The first word "falls" is pronounced with the open mid-back rounded vowel /ɔ/ and the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/. The second word "to" is pronounced with the open-mid back unrounded vowel /tʊ/. The third word "the" is pronounced with the voiced dental fricative /ð/ and the open back unrounded vowel /ə/. The last word "lot" is pronounced with the dark L /l/, the open-mid back rounded vowel /ɒ/, and the voiceless alveolar plosive /t/.
"Falls to the lot" is an idiomatic expression derived from the term "lot," which refers to a method of assigning or determining something by chance. When something "falls to the lot," it means that it is allocated or assigned by a random selection process, typically through a drawing, lottery, or some form of chance.
This phrase is often used to describe situations where a decision or outcome is left to fate or luck, rather than being determined by deliberate action or preference. It implies that the decision is beyond human control or influence, and that chance plays a significant role in the final outcome.
For example, if there are several applicants for a job and the employer decides to randomly select one candidate to fill the position, it can be said that the decision "falls to the lot." Similarly, if there are multiple bidders for a project and the awarding authority decides to draw lots to determine the winner, the project "falls to the lot."
The phrase "falls to the lot" originates from the practice of drawing lots in ancient times, where objects such as stones or pieces of wood were used to randomly select individuals or assign them certain roles or tasks. Over time, the expression has evolved to encompass various situations where random selection or allocation takes place.