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

The takeover marks a profound shift in the balance of power in Yemen, with potential consequences for the entire region. — April Longley Alley, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2026

Sign up for the newsletter One sign of how incredibly hot the summer was can be seen in the balance of record highs to record lows. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in the balance

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