Tip the balance/scales
phrase
To push a situation to a different outcome.
The new evidence could tip the balance in the murder trial.
Often appears as...
- unexpected event might tip the balance
- new evidence tipped the balance
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To change the equality or balance of something.
The new player may tip the scales in the football match.
Often appears as...
- tip the scales heavily
- tip the scales in our favor
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
phrase
To bring about a change, especially a significant or dramatic one.
The final argument was enough to tip the scales and convince the jury.
Often appears as...
- argument tipped the scales
- tip the scales in court
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
To push a situation to a different outcome.
The new evidence could tip the balance in the murder trial.
Often appears as...
- unexpected event might tip the balance
- new evidence tipped the balance
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To change the equality or balance of something.
The new player may tip the scales in the football match.
Often appears as...
- tip the scales heavily
- tip the scales in our favor
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
phrase
To bring about a change, especially a significant or dramatic one.
The final argument was enough to tip the scales and convince the jury.
Often appears as...
- argument tipped the scales
- tip the scales in court
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Outcome Oriented
Focus on how 'tip the balance' means changing a result or decision.
Her passionate speech might just tip the balance in her favor at the debate.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Change
Understand that it doesn't require a big influence to tip the balance, sometimes a small detail is enough.
A slight cost reduction could tip the balance for consumers choosing between similar products.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Shift
Recognize that 'tip the balance' is often used figuratively to describe influencing factors.
The unexpected support from the community tipped the balance for the local team.
Pro Tip 1/3Outcome Oriented
Focus on how 'tip the balance' means changing a result or decision.
Her passionate speech might just tip the balance in her favor at the debate.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Change
Understand that it doesn't require a big influence to tip the balance, sometimes a small detail is enough.
A slight cost reduction could tip the balance for consumers choosing between similar products.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Shift
Recognize that 'tip the balance' is often used figuratively to describe influencing factors.
The unexpected support from the community tipped the balance for the local team.
Pro Tip 1/3Outcome Oriented
Focus on how 'tip the balance' means changing a result or decision.
Her passionate speech might just tip the balance in her favor at the debate.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Change
Understand that it doesn't require a big influence to tip the balance, sometimes a small detail is enough.
A slight cost reduction could tip the balance for consumers choosing between similar products.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Shift
Recognize that 'tip the balance' is often used figuratively to describe influencing factors.
The unexpected support from the community tipped the balance for the local team.
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