toss-up
/ˈtɒs ʌp/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtɔːs ʌp/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈtȯs-ˌəp How to pronounce toss-up (audio) ˈtäs-/ (ame, mw)
toss-up — noun
1. a case where two results or choices seem so evenly balanced that you cannot sens
a case where two results or choices seem so evenly balanced that you cannot sensibly predict or choose one over the other.
After the final debate, the mayoral race still looked like a toss-up.
pattern: look like a toss-up
With both desserts so good, choosing one felt like a toss-up.
Neither team had scored by halftime, so the match was a toss-up.
Roya said the jury vote was a toss-up until the last speech.
Because rent was similar in both areas, the apartment choice became a toss-up.
- coin flip
informal, especially when two outcomes seem almost exactly even
- close race
used mainly for elections or sports contests, not for everyday choices
- dead heat
stronger; usually means the sides are exactly tied, not just hard to predict
- sure thing
informal; one result seems almost certain rather than evenly balanced
文法句型
be a toss-up
look like a toss-up
用法筆記
Usually follows verbs like be, look, or seem. It is common when two teams, candidates, or choices appear almost equal, especially before a final result is known.