tip the scales

phrase

1
: to register weight
tips the scales at 285 pounds
2
: to shift the balance of power or influence
… tipped the scales in favor of a declaration of war …—S. F. Bemis

Examples of tip the scales in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Moscow doesn't face the risk of its allies in Beijing tipping the scales in favor of Ukraine. — Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026 The measure’s opponents, a coalition of environmental, public health and labor organizations, say the measure tips the scales too far in favor of project approval and would strip protections and local control from California communities. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The difference is that Moscow doesn’t face the risk of its allies in Beijing tipping the scales in favor of Ukraine. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 The restomod tips the scales at 2,756 pounds, or close to 300 pounds less than the original car. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tip the scales

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Cite this Entry

“Tip the scales.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tip%20the%20scales. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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