weigh (something) in the balance
weigh (something) in the balance
To consider the positive and negative implications of something very carefully, especially when making a decision. We'll have to weigh each applicant in the balance before deciding who to hire, so it could be a couple of weeks before we make our final decision. Be sure to weigh it in the balance before deciding to take out a loan of any size. Just because the bank is willing to lend you money doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.
See also: balance, weigh
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
weigh something in the balance
carefully ponder or assess the merits and demerits of something.The image is of a pair of old-fashioned scales with two pans in which the positive and negative aspects of something can be set against each other. The expanded phrase weighed in the balance and found wanting meaning ‘having failed to meet the test of a particular situation’ is also found, and is an allusion to the biblical book of Daniel , where such a process formed part of the judgement made on King Belshazzar .
See also: balance, something, weigh
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- weigh something in the balance
- weigh up
- have (one's)/a beady eye on (someone or something)
- keep (one's)/a beady eye on (someone or something)
- keep a beady eye on somebody/something
- weigh one's words, to
- weigh in at (something)
- pull in the reins
- tighten the reins
- pick through