A Toss-Up (Origin)

by Craig Shrives

What Is the Origin of the Saying "A Toss-Up"?

The term "a toss-up" means an unclear result that could go either way.

Most commonly used in the sentence "It's a toss-up," "toss-up" refers to tossing a coin to decide a 50/50 situation. For example:
  • These two teams are equally matched. It's a toss-up. correct tick

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A Toss-Up (Origin)

Examples of Use:

  • Choosing between the two options was difficult because it was a toss-up; both had equal merits.
  • Deciding which movie to watch was a toss-up as both films had received positive reviews.
  • The outcome of the game was a toss-up until the final moments when a decisive goal was scored.
  • Whether to go out for dinner or cook at home was a toss-up since they were equally appealing choices.
  • They were evenly matched in the competition, so it was a toss-up as to who would come out on top.

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See Also

What are idioms? What is figurative language? A list of common grammar errors A list of easily confused words A list of sayings and proverbs