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.

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Example Sentences

In those moments, would jarred garlic, a squeeze tube of paste, or even garlic powder tip the balance?

From Salon

Quantum devices, potentially working together, could tip the balance, proponents say.

From The Wall Street Journal

After so long out injured, it was only to be expected that Neymar would run into muscular problems, and he will need much more time on the field to ease his way back to a level where he can tip the balance.

From BBC

Only my own principles can tip the balance from one to the other.”

From Salon

Given the small deficit and depth of their batting, England are marginally on top, though a strong burst with the second new ball on Saturday morning could tip the balance towards New Zealand once more.

From BBC