# tip the scale

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/tip-the-scale
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To change the fortunes, either positively or negatively.

## Examples

- His late goal helped tip the scale in our favor.
- The candidate's strong performance in the final debate helped tip the scale in his favor just before the election.
- The sudden arrival of reinforcements served to tip the scale, ultimately securing a decisive victory for the weary army.

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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.