toss up
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle up
Meanings
Decide something by flipping a coin
Why “up”? A person or thing moves from a lower place or position to a higher one.
“They tossed up to see who would go first.”
“The captains tossed up before the match.”
Don't confuse with
Toss up means decide something by flipping a coin. Toss around means discuss ideas casually.
Test yourself
“They tossed up to see who would go first.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
toss around
A contrast learners often mix up
Discuss ideas casually
call up
Same up pattern: upward
Telephone someone; Order someone to join military service; Display information on a screen or computer; Bring a memory or feeling vividly to mind; Select a player for a higher-level team
climb up
Same up pattern: upward
Ascend by gripping or stepping
get up
Same up pattern: upward
Move from lying or sitting to an upright or standing position; Increase in strength
hold up
Same up pattern: upward
Raise and keep raised; Delay a person or process
jump up
Same up pattern: upward
Spring upward into the air
lift up
Same up pattern: upward
Raise something with force
look up
Same up pattern: upward
Direct your eyes upward; Search for information in a book or online; Start to become better; Admire and respect someone (look up to)
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