tip the balance

Idioms  

1. Also, tip the scales; turn the scale. Offset the balance and thereby favor one side or precipitate an action. For example, He felt that affirmative action had tipped the balance slightly in favor of minority groups, or New high-tech weapons definitely tipped the scales in the Gulf War, or Just one more mistake will turn the scale against them. Shakespeare used turn the scale literally in Measure for Measure (4:2): “You weigh equally; a feather will turn the scale.” The idioms with tip are much younger, dating from the first half of the 1900s.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tip the balance

“September’s surge in energy prices will likely tip the balance towards a hike when the Fed meets next week,” Fifth Third Commercial Bank’s chief U.S. economist Bill Adams said in e-mailed commentary.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Alongside counting calories or eating smaller portions, many people add exercise into the equation when trying to lose weight to help tip the balance.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 22, 2026

He took aim at other labs that are "focused on building AI for companies, governments or other institutions," arguing that this would tip the balance of power in favor of institutions instead of individuals.

From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026

"I know many others in the same situation. At worst in a tight election it could even tip the balance of power," said the Cardiff-based musician on Instagram.

From BBC ● May 6, 2026

“In exchange, she swore to me that one day I would tip the balance of power. I would bring the minor gods respect. An eye was a small price to pay.”

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan