heads or tails

American  

noun

1. a gambling game in which a coin is tossed, the winner being the player who guesses which side of the coin will face up when it lands or is caught.

2. the tossing of a coin in this manner to determine a question or choice.

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heads or tails Idioms  

1. An expression used when tossing a coin to decide between two alternatives, as in Let's just flip a coin to decide who pays—do you want heads or tails? Each person involved chooses a different side of the coin, either “heads” or “tails,” and whichever side lands facing up is considered the winner. This usage, dating from the late 1600s, is sometimes turned into Heads I win, tails you lose, meaning “I win no matter what,” which probably originated in an attempt to deceive someone. [Mid-1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of heads or tails

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

Heads or tails on the coin flip: It’s tails.

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2020

Heads or tails: call it in the air.

From The Guardian • Jun. 26, 2018

"But I thought, well, how often does I get such fine company? So nothing but the best. Heads or tails?"

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman

"Heads or tails to see who gets it," suggested Mr. Daw, and drew a dollar from his pocket.

From Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford by Chester, George Randolph

Heads or tails," he said, listening to her retreating step; "suppose I say 'heads, bird in the hand;— work.

From The Iron Woman by Deland, Margaret Wade Campbell

Related Words

• advantage
• break
• future
• hit
• lot
• odds
• outcome
• risk