coin

on a/the toss of a/the coin

1. Literally, based on the outcome of a coin toss (i.e., the 50% chance that it will be either heads or tails). The team who starts off with the ball is always decided on the toss of a coin. We both wanted the last slice of pizza, so we're letting the outcome be determined on a toss of a coin.

2. By extension, purely at random; relying entirely on chance. New restaurants come and go in this area, their fates essentially decided on the toss of a coin. The economy is such an unpredictable beast that it seems to change on a toss of a coin.

coin it (in)

slang To earn a lot of money, usually quickly. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. That company has such a great product that it's no surprise they're coining it in.

coin a phrase

Fig. to create a new expression that is worthy of being remembered and repeated. (Often jocular.) He is "worth his weight in feathers," to coin a phrase.

do some fine coin

Sl. to make a large sum of money. When I get my big break, I'm going to do some fine coin. Richard did some fine coin on that last housepainting job.

pay someone back

1. . Lit. to return money that was borrowed from a person. You owe me money. When are you going to pay me back? You must pay John back. You have owed him money for a long time. You have to pay back everyone you owe money to.

2. Fig. to get even with someone [for doing something]. I will pay her back for what she said about me. Fred eventually will pay Mike back. He bears grudges for a long time. He intends to pay back everyone who has wronged him!

See also: back, pay

pay something back (to someone)

to repay someone. I paid the money back to Jerry. Can I pay back the money to George now? Please pay the money back now.

See also: back, pay

pay somebody/something back

also pay back somebody/something

to return money that you have borrowed I'll pay you back as soon as I get my next paycheck. I'll pay the money back on Friday. It will take years for him to pay back his student loans.

See also: back, pay

the other side of the coin

a different and usually opposite idea about a situation Being a parent is such a huge responsibility, but the other side of the coin is that it is one of the most exciting and enjoyable things you can do.

Related vocabulary: two sides of the same coin

See also: coin, of, other, side

two sides of the same coin

different but closely related features of one idea Rewards and punishments are two sides of the same coin – both are used to control people, and neither works very well.

Related vocabulary: the other side of the coin

to coin a phrase

something that you say before you use a phrase which sounds slightly silly He was, to coin a phrase, as sick as a parrot.

be coining it

(British & Australian informal) also be coining money (American & Australian informal)

to be earning a lot of money quickly The magazine has been coining it since the new editor took over.

pay somebody back in their own coin

(British & Australian old-fashioned)

to treat someone in the same bad way that they have treated you I decided to pay her back in her own coin and refuse to help her.

the other side of the coin

a different and usually opposite view of a situation that you have previously talked about The other side of the coin is that fewer working hours means less pay.

See also: coin, of, other, side

be two sides of the same coin

also be different/opposite sides of the same coin

if two things are two sides of the same coin, they are very closely related although they seem different Violent behaviour and deep insecurity are often two sides of the same coin. Higher living standards and an increase in the general level of dissatisfaction are opposite sides of the same coin.

See split sides

coin money

Also, mint money. Make a great deal of money easily or very quickly. For example, With a monopoly on the market he could coin money, or These highly motivated realtors just about enable the agency to mint money. This hyperbolic expression dates from the mid-1800s.

other side of the coin

The opposite aspect, as in I know you'd like to go, but the other side of the coin is that someone has to stay with the baby or The subscription is expensive, but the other side of the coin is that it's an excellent publication . This term replaced the older other side of the medal or other side of the shield about 1900.

See also: coin, of, other, side

pay back

1. Repay a debt or a loan, as in I'll pay you back next month.

2. Also, pay back in someone's own coin. Revenge oneself, repay in kind, as in He thought he could get away with copying my plans, but I'll pay him back in his own coin . This expression refers to repaying a debt in exactly the same currency in which the money had been lent. [c. 1600]

See also: back, pay

pay back

1. To return some amount of money that has been borrowed: Will you pay back the $60 I gave you last month? They finally paid the money back.

2. To repay someone an amount of money: I might not have enough money to pay them back. We need to pay back the bank.

3. To reward or punish someone for something: After all their hard work, the team was paid back with a victory. After they beat us, we paid them back by winning the series.

See also: back, pay

coin

n. money. (see also hard coin, do some fine coin.) He made a lot of coin on the last picture.

do some fine coin

tv. to make a large sum of money. When I get my big break, I’m going to do some fine coin.

hard coin

n. lots of money. (see also coin.) Old Freddie is earning some hard coin these days.

the other side of the coin

One of two differing or opposing views or sides.

See also: coin, of, other, side

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Floortje	FLO:R-tyə	Dutch
ŚWiĘTopeŁK	shvyen-TAW-pewk	Polish (Archaic)
Hamilcar	hə-MIL-kahr (English), HAM-il-kahr (English)	Ancient Near Eastern (Latinized), History
Ayotunde	-	Western African, Yoruba
Fazl	-	Arabic
Erminhilt	-	Ancient Germanic