tip the scales
To turn to one side of a balanced situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That final goal helped tip the scales in our favor.”
“The candidate's strong performance in the final debate helped tip the scales in a very close election.”
“His unexpected testimony provided the crucial evidence needed to tip the scales of justice in favor of the defendant.”
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arse over tip
Tumbling or falling; upside-down.
- 02
off the scale
Far in excess of what is normal or measurable.
- 03
pro tip
A useful piece of advice.
- 04
returns to scale
a function describing how returns scale when production increases in the long run
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thumb on the scale
An act of bias or a tactic for cheating which creates a situation that unfairly benefits one party involved in an interaction.
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tip of the hat
A gesture of acknowledgement; often, an expression of gratitude; originally by doffing one's hat.
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tip of the ice cube
The first aspect of an insignificant or exaggerated problem or situation.
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tip of the iceberg
A small indication of a larger possibility; the first part encountered of a problem that is much bigger than it seems.
Last updated August 10, 2026