in the balance

phrase

variants or in balance

: with the fate or outcome about to be determined

Our future hangs in the balance as we await his decision.

Examples of in the balance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And then, with the game in the balance, Taylor’s two 3-pointers over the Valkyries — against man-to-man defense — was too much to overcome. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026

The Treasury and Fed have in practice historically communicated with each other on major changes in the balance sheet. — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Time is of the essence and the hopes and dreams of players in the balance. — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Global energy supplies and the economy remain in the balance as gasoline prices have risen again. — Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in the balance

• counterbalance
• overbalance
• imbalance
• rebalance
• unbalance
• valance
• vallance