in the balance
in the balance
In a state of jeopardy or uncertainty. I'm afraid that my scholarship is in the balance now that I've been accused of plagiarizing a paper.
See also: balance
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
*in the balance
in an undecided state; at risk. (*Typically: be ~; hang ~.) He stood on the edge of the cliff, his life in the balance. With his fortune in the balance, John rolled the dice.
See also: balance
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
in the balance
COMMON If a situation is in the balance, it is not clear what is going to happen. The career of Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley is now in the balance following this latest injury. Note: You can also say that a situation hangs in the balance. With the destruction of so much of the rainforest, the fate of these animals now hangs in the balance. Note: A balance is a set of scales (= device for weighing things) which consists of two dishes hanging from a horizontal bar.
See also: balance
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
in the balance
uncertain; at a critical stage.See also: balance
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
(be/hang) in the ˈbalance
(be) at a point where something could either develop well or badly; be uncertain: With the election results due to be announced this afternoon, the future of the country still hangs very much in the balance.A balance is an instrument for weighing things. It has a bar that is supported in the middle and dishes hanging from each end.
See also: balance
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
in the balance
In an undetermined and often critical position: Our plans were left hanging in the balance. Resolution of that item is still in the balance.
See also: balance
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- be in the balance
- be on the line
- on the line
- in jeopardy
- become grounds for (something)
- becoming
- on the string
- ascribe
- ascribe (something) to (something)
- ascribe to