1 B1 neutral
To flip a coin in order to make a random decision between two options.
"They couldn't agree on a restaurant, so they tossed up to decide."
inseparable
toss up
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To throw something upward, to decide something by flipping a coin, or to describe a situation where two options are equally likely.
In plain English
To throw something up in the air, or to flip a coin to make a decision.
What does "toss up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
(Usually as noun 'toss-up') A situation in which two outcomes are equally likely; a very close or undecided contest.
"The election is a complete toss-up — either candidate could win."
“
It's a toss-up between staying and going.
inseparable
3 A2 neutral
To throw something upward into the air.
"The chef tossed up the pancake and caught it neatly in the pan."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To throw something upward into the air.
Actually means
To throw something up in the air, or to flip a coin to make a decision.
Usage tip
As a verb, 'toss up' means to flip a coin or throw something upward. As a noun ('a toss-up'), it describes a situation where two outcomes are equally possible. The noun form is very common in everyday speech: 'It's a complete toss-up.' This noun usage is often more common than the verb form in everyday conversation.
Words that pair with "toss up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
coin ball decision choice result game
How to conjugate "toss up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
toss up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tosses up
he/she/it
Past simple
tossed up
yesterday
Past participle
tossed up
have + pp
-ing form
tossing up
continuous
Hear "toss up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "toss up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
flip a coin go fifty-fifty it's even odds leave to chance toss a coin
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