do a toss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do a toss" is not commonly used in standard written English and may be considered informal or colloquial.
It can be used in contexts where someone is referring to throwing or tossing something, often in a casual or playful manner. Example: "He decided to do a toss with the frisbee to see how far it could go."

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

People advanced enough to be seriously learning to do a toss cartwheel should know that plastic cheap batons are useless and way off balance.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

While poisonous, the rays in Stingray City are mostly calm provided you are calm and cautious around them -- no grabbing rays by the tail and swinging them around like a field athlete about to do a hammer toss.

Huffington Post

Do a simple thumb toss.

WikiHow

They look normal and nice, though, and they do a dance while tossing golden apples.

The New Yorker

Google will basically be doing a coin toss with each eligible query to determine which service will be serving up the widget.

TechCrunch

But a Marine doesn't have to do a double-full basket toss in a short skirt and a smile.

The New York Times

Betis beat Madrid and their fans looked like they did give a toss or two.

The Guardian - Sport

By showing him that someone did give a toss, I have probably gone some way to making him a better citizen, a better human.

The Guardian - Opinion

The truth is, they don't give a toss what other bands do.

The Guardian - Music

"The countries you mention do not give a toss about what NATO does with its weapons," said the NATO diplomat.

The New York Times

Don't toss a big kitchen knife into the bottom of a wash basin so you'll have to fish around for it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do a toss", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality and clarity. In some situations, a more direct synonym like "throw" or "discard" may be preferable to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "do a toss" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for alternatives like "discard", "throw", or "reject" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do a toss" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of throwing something in a casual or lighthearted manner. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase can also imply a lack of regard or importance depending on context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do a toss" is an informal verb phrase primarily used to describe the act of throwing something lightly or expressing indifference. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig suggests that its usage should be carefully considered in formal contexts, where more precise alternatives may be preferred. Its communicative purpose can range from describing a physical action to indicating a lack of concern. While the usage of this phrase is relatively rare, according to the provided examples, it appears across diverse sources, including news outlets and wikis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throw something

This is a direct synonym, replacing "toss" with the more general term "throw".

give something a toss

Similar to 'give it a throw' emphasizing brief action

give it a throw

Replaces "do a toss" with an idiomatic expression implying an attempt or action.

make a throw

A more formal synonym for "do a toss", emphasizing the action of throwing.

fling it

Implies a more forceful or casual act of throwing.

hurl it

This implies a more aggressive or forceful throw.

cast something

Suggests a more deliberate or dramatic throwing action.

discard something

If "toss" refers to getting rid of something, this is a suitable alternative.

lob something

Suggests a gentle upward throw

pitch something

Implies throwing something with specific intent, often in sports.

FAQs

What does "do a toss" mean?

The phrase "do a toss" generally means to throw something lightly or casually. It can also mean to discard something. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

What can I say instead of "do a toss"?

You can use alternatives like "throw something", "discard something", or "give it a throw" depending on the context.

Is "do a toss" formal or informal?

The phrase "do a toss" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, it's best to use alternatives such as "throw" or "discard".

How can I use "do a toss" in a sentence?

Here's an example of how to use "do a toss" in a sentence: "He decided to do a toss with the frisbee to see how far it could go."