divide (something) fifty-fifty

To split something evenly between both parties. I promised the kids that I would divide the last cookie fifty-fifty. Because you helped me so much with the yard sale, I want to divide the profits fifty-fifty. Let's just divide the bill fifty-fifty.

fifty-fifty

1. Into two equal portions. Let's just split the bill fifty-fifty. We need to divide the work fifty-fifty, otherwise it won't be fair. Even though my brother and I split the profits from the yard sale fifty-fifty, each of us still made a decent amount.

2. Having an equal chance of one of two results occurring. Refers to a 50 percent probability. Brad has been so unreliable lately that I'd say its fifty-fifty that he comes tonight. When I flip this coin, there is a fifty-fifty chance that it will land on heads. Well, it's fifty-fifty that the two cats end up getting along, but I'm hoping for the best.

3. A raffle in which the winner receives half of the money collected. Do you want to buy a ticket for the fifty-fifty? It's up to $700! A: "Fifty-fifty ticket?" B: "No, thank you." I can't believe you won the fifty-fifty! I've never known anyone who's won one of those things!

fifty-fifty chance

An equal chance of one of two results occurring. Refers to a 50% probability. When I flip this coin, there is a fifty-fifty chance that it will land on heads. Brad has been so unreliable lately that I'd say there's a fifty-fifty chance that he comes tonight. I know there's only a fifty-fifty chance that the two cats end up getting along, but I'm hoping for the best.

go fifty-fifty

To split something evenly between both parties. I promised the kids that I would go fifty-fifty with the last cookie. Because you helped me so much with the yard sale, I want to go fifty-fifty with the profits. We need to go fifty-fifty with the work, otherwise it won't be fair.

go halves

To share the cost of something equally between two people. We each had about the same amount to eat and drink, so let's go halves on the bill. I'm pretty broke, but I'll go halves with you on a bottle of wine. A: "I'll get us a hotel room, but can we go halves on it?" B: "Yeah, sure. I'll give you my share the next time I see you."

See also: go, halves

Heinz 57 (variety)

1. A phrase used to describe anything that is made up of a mixture of things. The phrase refers to an advertising slogan for the H.J. Heinz Company's 57 varieties of pickles. This stew is definitely Heinz 57 variety—there's a lot of different things thrown into it. A: "Are there white chocolate chips in here too?" B: "Yep, those cookies have a little bit of everything—Heinz 57 variety, you know?" Don't just plop everything onto his plate like Heinz 57 variety—he won't eat things that are touching each other.

2. A mixed-breed dog. I have no idea what breed Sparky is—he seems to be Heinz 57. If they're rich, then they must have a purebred dog. Why would they bother with the Heinz 57 variety? This lovable mutt is Heinz 57, and I couldn't care less.

split (something) fifty-fifty

To split something evenly between two parties. I promised the kids that I would split the last cookie fifty-fifty. Because you helped me so much with the yard sale, I want to split the profits fifty-fifty.

That and fifty cents will buy you a cup of coffee.

obsolete Used to express that something is utterly worthless. (Fifty cents used to be enough money to buy a cup of coffee.) Primarily heard in US. The kid who beat me in the tournament got $500 and a swell-looking trophy, while all I got was a dinky little ribbon that said, "Second Place." As my old man used to say, that and fifty cents will buy you a cup of coffee. A: "We ought to abolish all taxes!" B: "Yeah, great idea, Bill. That and fifty cents will buy you a cup of coffee."

See also: and, buy, cent, cup, fifty, of, that, will

That and fifty cents will get you (a ride on) on the subway.

obsolete Used to express that something is utterly worthless. (Fifty cents used to be enough money to buy a subway ticket.) Primarily heard in US. The kid who beat me in the tournament got $500 and a swell-looking trophy, while all I got was a dinky little ribbon that said, "Second Place." As my old man used to say, that and fifty cents will get you a ride on the subway. A: "We ought to abolish all taxes!" B: "Yeah, great idea, Bill. That and fifty cents will get you on the subway."

See also: and, cent, fifty, get, on, ride, that, will

That and fifty cents will get you a cup of coffee.

obsolete Used to express that something is utterly worthless. (Fifty cents used to be enough money to buy a cup of coffee.) Primarily heard in US. The kid who beat me in the tournament got $500 and a swell-looking trophy, while all I got was a dinky little ribbon that said, "Second Place." As my old man used to say, that and fifty cents will get you a cup of coffee. A: "We ought to abolish all taxes!" B: "Yeah, great idea, Bill. That and fifty cents will get you a cup of coffee."

See also: and, cent, cup, fifty, get, of, that, will

divide something fifty-fifty

and split something fifty-fifty

to divide something into two equal parts. (The fifty means 50 percent.) Tommy and Billy divided the candy fifty-fifty. The robbers split the money fifty-fifty.

fifty-fifty

even or equal. (See also go fifty-fifty (on something).) The chances of success are about fifty-fifty. Even at fifty-fifty, it's probably worth it, you know.

go fifty-fifty

(on something) to divide the cost of something in half with someone. Todd and Jean decided to go fifty-fifty on dinner. The two brothers went fifty-fifty on a replacement for the broken lamp.

fifty-fifty

see under under go halves.

go halves

Also, go fifty-fifty. Share equally. For example, Ann suggested that they go halves on the rent, or The brothers are going fifty-fifty in their new business. The first term dates from the late 1600s, the variant from the early 1900s.

See also: go, halves

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

go halves (or shares)

share something equally.

See also: go, halves

ˌfifty-ˈfifty

(informal) divided equally between two people, groups or possibilities: Let’s split the bill fifty-fifty. ♢ She has a fifty-fifty chance of winning.

go ˈhalves (with somebody)

go ˌhalf and ˈhalf (with somebody)

(informal) share the total cost of something equally with somebody else: If you drive me up to Edinburgh, we’ll go halves on the petrol.

See also: go, halves

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