tip the balance
idiom
: to change a situation so that one person, group, etc., is more able or likely to succeed : to give an advantage to someone or something
Both candidates are qualified, but her experience tips the balance in her favor.
Examples of tip the balance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The outcome of the special election could tip the balance of power in the Senate, where the DFL has a one-seat majority.
—
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 31 July 2025
Burning a warehouse will not on its own tip the balance of the war in Russia’s favor.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
Perhaps someday doctors will be able to tip the balance toward the bacteria’s benefits — with probiotics, perhaps, or even with gene editing.
—F.d. Flam, Twin Cities, 2 July 2025
And there’s yet another complication: Changes forced by the Byrd rule could tip the balance of votes in the House—the original OBBBA passed with a squeaky close 215-214 vote.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tip the balance
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 31 July 2025
Burning a warehouse will not on its own tip the balance of the war in Russia’s favor.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
Perhaps someday doctors will be able to tip the balance toward the bacteria’s benefits — with probiotics, perhaps, or even with gene editing.
—F.d. Flam, Twin Cities, 2 July 2025
And there’s yet another complication: Changes forced by the Byrd rule could tip the balance of votes in the House—the original OBBBA passed with a squeaky close 215-214 vote.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tip the balance
Cite this Entry
“Tip the balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tip%20the%20balance. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share