# turn the scale

idiom

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

## Meaning

To decide or determine a balanced situation.

## Examples

- His final goal helped turn the scale for our team.
- The candidate's strong performance in the final debate helped turn the scale in her favor just before the election.
- Although the committee remained deeply divided for hours, the chairperson's unexpected endorsement finally served to turn the scale toward a unanimous decision.

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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.