"There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip"

Life is unpredictable. We often think that just because we're close to achieving our goal, success is guaranteed. But sometimes, even the smallest misstep can change the outcome entirely. This idea is at the heart of the saying, "There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip."

The phrase hails from ancient times and emphasizes the uncertainty of life. It reminds us that until an action is fully completed, things can still go wrong. Imagine someone lifting a cup of tea to their lips—seems simple, right? But many things can happen in those few seconds: a sudden sneeze, a knock on the elbow, or even a small imbalance could lead to the tea spilling. That's life in a nutshell.

Let’s take a real-life example from the world of sports. Think of the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final. England and New Zealand ended up in a tie, leading to a super over. England seemed to have a clear shot at victory, but a series of unexpected events—a deflection off the bat leading to extra runs—turned the game on its head. Even when the finish line seems so close, anything can happen.

Applying this wisdom is about being prepared for the unexpected. Always have a contingency plan. If you’re gearing up for a big presentation at work, don’t just focus on the content. Think about the "what ifs" too—what if the projector fails, or the file gets corrupted? Having backups can save the day. Personally, I've learned to double-check everything. If I'm baking a cake for a special event, I don't just follow the recipe. I make sure I have extra ingredients in case of a mishap, and I always bake a trial version.

Imagine you’re planning your dream vacation. You’ve booked flights, hotels, and even made a list of places to visit. But, what if your flight gets canceled? Or your hotel loses your reservation? By thinking ahead—maybe buying travel insurance or having a list of backup accommodations—you mitigate potential disasters.

Think back to your school days. Remember when you had a big exam and you studied like crazy? The night before, you felt confident. But then, on the day of the exam, you realized you left your calculator at home. Panic set in. That small slip could change everything. This saying teaches us to take a moment to double-check our readiness, even when we think we’re all set.

In essence, while it's great to aim high and work hard, never underestimate the value of being prepared for the unexpected. Life throws curveballs, and the best way to hit them out of the park is to anticipate and adapt. So next time you’re about to take a big step, remember the cup and the lip—and make sure nothing slips in between.

So, next time you find yourself on the cusp of achieving something, take a step back. Check your bases. Ensure you’ve covered all possible pitfalls. Because even when you think you’ve got it in the bag, that final step can surprise you. And who wants to spill their tea, anyway?