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3. on a/the toss of a/the coin

on a/the toss of a/the coin

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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.

See also: coin, of, on, toss