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
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The bonus factor – circumstances – is controlled by external forces and can tip the scales of a successful relationship, Sinek added. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 He is widely credited with tipping the scales for Joe Biden during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. — Molly Redden, ProPublica, 20 Oct. 2026 But Moscow doesn't face the risk of its allies in Beijing tipping the scales in favor of Ukraine. — Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026 The measure’s opponents, a coalition of environmental, public health and labor organizations, say the measure tips the scales too far in favor of project approval and would strip protections and local control from California communities. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tip the scales

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Cite this Entry

“Tip the scales.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tip%20the%20scales. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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