toss up
To throw something up in the air, or to flip a coin to make a decision.
Meanings
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."
(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."
To throw something upward into the air.
"The chef tossed up the pancake and caught it neatly in the pan."
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.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "toss up" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "toss up" on Looplines