Tip the scales at something
verb
To weigh a certain amount.
The truck tips the scales at two tons.
Often appears as...
- the car tips the scales at
- this product tips the scales at
verb
To upset the balance of an situation.
His last argument tipped the scales at the meeting.
Often appears as...
- her statement tipped the scales at
- his opinion tipped the scales at
Usage tips
General, Idiomatic
verb
To weigh a certain amount.
The truck tips the scales at two tons.
Often appears as...
- the car tips the scales at
- this product tips the scales at
verb
To upset the balance of an situation.
His last argument tipped the scales at the meeting.
Often appears as...
- her statement tipped the scales at
- his opinion tipped the scales at
Usage tips
General, Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Weight
The phrase is taken literally when discussing the actual weight of objects or persons.
During the competition, the giant pumpkin tipped the scales at an impressive 200 pounds.
Pro Tip 2/3Exaggeration Avoidance
Avoid exaggeration; use it for actual weights, not to express that something is heavy or light metaphorically.
The new laptop tips the scales at just three pounds, making it very portable.
Pro Tip 3/3Impressive Quantities
It's often used to highlight when something weighs a lot or more than expected.
The bodybuilder tips the scales at 250 pounds, most of which is muscle.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Weight
The phrase is taken literally when discussing the actual weight of objects or persons.
During the competition, the giant pumpkin tipped the scales at an impressive 200 pounds.
Pro Tip 2/3Exaggeration Avoidance
Avoid exaggeration; use it for actual weights, not to express that something is heavy or light metaphorically.
The new laptop tips the scales at just three pounds, making it very portable.
Pro Tip 3/3Impressive Quantities
It's often used to highlight when something weighs a lot or more than expected.
The bodybuilder tips the scales at 250 pounds, most of which is muscle.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Weight
The phrase is taken literally when discussing the actual weight of objects or persons.
During the competition, the giant pumpkin tipped the scales at an impressive 200 pounds.
Pro Tip 2/3Exaggeration Avoidance
Avoid exaggeration; use it for actual weights, not to express that something is heavy or light metaphorically.
The new laptop tips the scales at just three pounds, making it very portable.
Pro Tip 3/3Impressive Quantities
It's often used to highlight when something weighs a lot or more than expected.
The bodybuilder tips the scales at 250 pounds, most of which is muscle.
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