tip the scales

phrase

1

: to register weight

tips the scales at 285 pounds

2

: to shift the balance of power or influence

… tipped the scales in favor of a declaration of war …

—S. F. Bemis

Examples of tip the scales in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In that way, if few others, Nelson declines to tip the scales. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026

Still, while the political aspect of the case may be a factor, experts say public pressure may not tip the scales – particularly since Cruz is running unopposed, according to CNN affiliate WCVB. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Unlike the sea otters in California’s coastal waters, which can weigh up to 70 pounds, river otters tip the scales at a maximum of about 25 pounds, but have very strong jaws and claws, Isadore said. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026

Fully fueled, Roman tipped the scales at some 20,000 pounds (9 metric tons) and filled the Falcon Heavy’s payload fairing. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for tip the scales

• ails
• ales
• bailes
• bails
• bales
• dales
• dalles
• fails
• gales
• hails
• hales
• jails