tip the scales

tip the scales
phrasal or tip the scale
1. : to register weight on a scale or balance

tips the scales at 210 pounds — Current Biography

2. : to shift the balance of fortune, influence, or power

a blind world in which building and destroying successively tip the scale — W.L.Sperry

Americans … tipped the scales decisively in two world wars — A.E.Stevenson †1965

adding small gifts to tip the scales in my favor — Claudia Cassidy

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tip the scale(s) see under ↑tip2
• • •
Main Entry: ↑scale

* * *

to give someone or something enough of an advantage to influence a result or decision

Her youth and competitiveness tipped the balance in her favour.

Thesaurus: to make something possiblesynonym
Main entry: tip

* * *

I
see tip II
II tip the scales (or balance)
(of a circumstance or event) be the deciding factor; make the critical difference

her proven current form tips the scales in her favor

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tip the scales — see ↑tip, 1
• • •
Main Entry: ↑scale
————————
tip the scales
1 or tip the balance : to change a situation so that one person, group, etc., is more able or likely to succeed : to give an advantage to someone or something

Both candidates are qualified, but her experience tips the scales in her favor.

2 tip the scales at : to have (a specified weight)

He tips the scales at 285 pounds. [=he weighs 285 pounds]

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Main Entry: ↑tip

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tip the ˈbalance/ˈscales idiom
(also swing the ˈbalance) to affect the result of sth in one way rather than another

•

In an interview, smart presentation can tip the scales in your favour.

•

New evidence tipped the balance against the prosecution.

Main entry: ↑tipidiom

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • tip the scales at — (something) to be measured as being a particular weight. He s added more muscle to his frame, and now tips the scales at 268 pounds …   New idioms dictionary

  • tip the scales — 1. to make something more or less likely to happen, or to make someone more or less likely to succeed. Recent environmental disasters have tipped the scales against oil producers. (often + against) The sudden economic growth in the area should… …   New idioms dictionary

  • tip the scales — change or influence a decision, the upper hand    If you speak two languages, it could tip the scales in your favor when you apply for a job …   English idioms

  • tip the scales at 12 stone — tip the scales at 12 stone/200 pounds etc/informal phrase to weigh a particular amount The defending champion tips the scales at 18 stone 6. Thesaurus: weight and describing weighthyponym general words for heavy thingssynonym …   Useful english dictionary

  • tip the scales at 200 pounds — tip the scales at 12 stone/200 pounds etc/informal phrase to weigh a particular amount The defending champion tips the scales at 18 stone 6. Thesaurus: weight and describing weighthyponym general words for heavy thingssynonym …   Useful english dictionary

  • tip the scales at something — tip the scales at (something) to be measured as being a particular weight. He s added more muscle to his frame, and now tips the scales at 268 pounds …   New idioms dictionary

  • tip the scales at something — tip the scales at sth idiom to weigh a particular amount • He tipped the scales at just over 80 kilos. Main entry: ↑tipidiom …   Useful english dictionary

  • tip the scales — ► tip (or turn) the scales (or balance) be the deciding factor; make the critical difference. Main Entry: ↑scale …   English terms dictionary

  • tip the scales — {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To weigh. * /Martin tips the scales at 180 pounds./ 2. or[tip the balance] To have important or decisive influence; make a decision go for or against you; decide. * /John s vote tipped the scales in our favor, and we won… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • tip the scales — {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To weigh. * /Martin tips the scales at 180 pounds./ 2. or[tip the balance] To have important or decisive influence; make a decision go for or against you; decide. * /John s vote tipped the scales in our favor, and we won… …   Dictionary of American idioms

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