tip the scale
The idiom "tip the scale" can refer to both physical weight and metaphorical influence, depending on the context.
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Definition
C1General
(idiomatic)To influence the outcome of a decision or situation in a particular direction.
Example
- Her testimony could tip the scale in favor of the defendant.
B2Weight Measurement
(idiomatic, american english)To weigh a certain amount.
Example
- He tips the scale at 250 pounds.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tip the scale":
tip backtip overweigh intip offtip the gaffgive weighttipping pointoff balancetip one's hatweigh downtip one's handstrike a balancetip bait