The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English
tip the scales
(also tip the balance)
Definition
If something tips the scales, it is the thing which causes a particular situation to happen or a particular decision to be made, when other situations or decisions are possible
The teams were evenly matched until two quick goals from Robson tipped the balance in favour of England.
She was a good candidate, but her lack of computer skills tipped the scales against her.
(Definition of tip the scales from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
Browse the Dictionary
Our dictionaries
Browse the Thesaurus
More Results for “tip the scales”
SMART Thesaurus
Synonyms and related words:
- -backed
- back
- backing
- Behind every great/successful man there stands a woman.
- buttress
- close ranks
- defence
- espouse
- flag-waving
- pander to sb/sth
- stand up for sth/sb
- stick together
- strike a blow for sth
- support v (ENCOURAGE)
- support v (HELP)
- support v (PROVIDE)
- support n (ENCOURAGEMENT)
- take up the cudgels for/against sb/sth
- wave/show/fly the flag
- with
Word of the Day
Blog
New Words
Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.
