# check and balance

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/check-and-balance
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Provide mutual oversight and limitation by independent organizations in order to prevent abuses of power.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.