Toss-up
noun
A situation or result that is still unclear and can go either way.
The election result is a toss-up, it could be either candidate.
Often appears as...
- election toss-up
- it's a toss-up
noun
A coin being flipped to decide something when it's too close to call.
We couldn't agree on where to go for dinner so we decided with a toss-up.
Often appears as...
- decide by toss-up
- do a toss-up
noun
A situation or result that is still unclear and can go either way.
The election result is a toss-up, it could be either candidate.
Often appears as...
- election toss-up
- it's a toss-up
noun
A coin being flipped to decide something when it's too close to call.
We couldn't agree on where to go for dinner so we decided with a toss-up.
Often appears as...
- decide by toss-up
- do a toss-up
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Unclear Outcome
Use 'toss-up' when the outcome of a situation cannot be predicted or is very evenly matched.
With both teams playing at their best, the championship is a toss-up.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
'Toss-up' doesn't always mean a literal coin toss. It can metaphorically represent a random choice.
Choosing the best applicant for the job is a toss-up—they're all highly qualified.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Tone
The term 'toss-up' carries a neutral tone and doesn't suggest a preference for either side.
It's a toss-up between vacationing in the mountains or by the sea.
Pro Tip 1/3Unclear Outcome
Use 'toss-up' when the outcome of a situation cannot be predicted or is very evenly matched.
With both teams playing at their best, the championship is a toss-up.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
'Toss-up' doesn't always mean a literal coin toss. It can metaphorically represent a random choice.
Choosing the best applicant for the job is a toss-up—they're all highly qualified.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Tone
The term 'toss-up' carries a neutral tone and doesn't suggest a preference for either side.
It's a toss-up between vacationing in the mountains or by the sea.
Pro Tip 1/3Unclear Outcome
Use 'toss-up' when the outcome of a situation cannot be predicted or is very evenly matched.
With both teams playing at their best, the championship is a toss-up.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Usage
'Toss-up' doesn't always mean a literal coin toss. It can metaphorically represent a random choice.
Choosing the best applicant for the job is a toss-up—they're all highly qualified.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Tone
The term 'toss-up' carries a neutral tone and doesn't suggest a preference for either side.
It's a toss-up between vacationing in the mountains or by the sea.
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Video examples
Introducing a New Baby...
lovely little elephant cough well indeed it's always a toss-up with which is cuter in terms of the baby animal world they all I suppose a very cute it's not very many ugly babies out
Video examples
Introducing a New Baby...
lovely little elephant cough well indeed it's always a toss-up with which is cuter in terms of the baby animal world they all I suppose a very cute it's not very many ugly babies out
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Natasha Lyonne
American Actress
The thing about curly hair is that it's a toss-up. Some days you can let it air dry and it's better than a hair-do, but some days you just look like a sloppy person. I'm really resistant to a trim. I only do it when it gets hard to brush out in the shower, then I'll submit, begrudgingly.
Quote examples
Martin Henderson
New Zealander Actor
My dad was my hero when I was a young boy. And then it's a toss-up between Han Solo, the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby team, and Marlon Brando.
Quote examples
Paul Johnson
British Journalist
The most evil person I ever met was a toss-up between Pablo Picasso and the publisher-crook Robert Maxwell.
Quote examples
Alistair Overeem
Dutch Athlete
Every fight, honest to say, in this division, at this level, is a toss-up. It's a 50-50 chance.
Quote examples
Lee Marvin
American Actor
I didn't like school. Every day, it was a toss-up whether I'd go or skip.
Quote examples
Natasha Lyonne
American Actress
The thing about curly hair is that it's a toss-up. Some days you can let it air dry and it's better than a hair-do, but some days you just look like a sloppy person. I'm really resistant to a trim. I only do it when it gets hard to brush out in the shower, then I'll submit, begrudgingly.
Quote examples
Martin Henderson
New Zealander Actor
My dad was my hero when I was a young boy. And then it's a toss-up between Han Solo, the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby team, and Marlon Brando.
Quote examples
Paul Johnson
British Journalist
The most evil person I ever met was a toss-up between Pablo Picasso and the publisher-crook Robert Maxwell.
Quote examples
Alistair Overeem
Dutch Athlete
Every fight, honest to say, in this division, at this level, is a toss-up. It's a 50-50 chance.
Quote examples
Lee Marvin
American Actor
I didn't like school. Every day, it was a toss-up whether I'd go or skip.
Example 1 of 5
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