check and balance
Provide mutual oversight and limitation by independent organizations in order to prevent abuses of power.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The government uses checks and balances to keep power fair.”
“The constitution creates a system of checks and balances so that no single branch of government becomes too powerful.”
“In a healthy democracy, the separation of powers functions through a rigorous system of checks and balances, ensuring that every branch remains accountable to the law.”
- 01
balance out
To attain balance through the contrasting or reciprocating effect of different elements.
- 02
balance the books
To add up all the debits and credits.
- 03
check is in the mail
A common excuse used by debtors to put off creditors.
- 04
check the math
To verify the source or accuracy of something.
- 05
check through
To permit someone to continue onward, e.g. through a security checkpoint, after verifying their identity, tickets, etc.
- 06
gut check
An honest, reflective appraisal of one's true feelings concerning a matter of concern.
- 07
hang in the balance
To be in a precarious situation, unsure of the future.
- 08
need one's eyes checked
To be seeing things (having visual hallucinations).
Last updated August 10, 2026