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Scales

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turn the scale(s)

To change the balance of a situation, such that one side or element is favored or gains advantage. The two candidates are so close in the polls that both are vying for something that will turn the scale in their favor. The immense interconnectivity of social media has turned the scales of power somewhat back into the hands of the ordinary population.

See also: turn

tilt the scale(s)

To change the balance of a situation, such that one side or element is favored or gains advantage. The two candidates are so close in the polls that both are vying for something that will tilt the scale in their favor. The immense interconnectivity of social media has tilted the scales of power somewhat back into the hands of the ordinary population.

See also: tilt

have scales fall from (one's) eyes

To suddenly be able to see a situation clearly and accurately. I used to be so in love with Andrew, but now that we've broken up, I've had scales fall from my eyes, and I can see how oafish he truly is! Once you start working somewhere new, it doesn't take long until you have the scales fall from your eyes, and you can see all of the problems of your "perfect" new job.

See also: eye, fall, have, Scales

thumb on the scale

A method of deception or manipulation that creates an unfair advantage for the swindler, likened to a merchant holding a thumb on the scale when weighing goods for sale, therefore increasing the weight and price. You have to suspect that the casinos have their thumb on the scale when it comes to the slot machines. There's no way you're getting fair odds.

See also: on, scale, thumb

tip the scales at something

to weigh a particular weight. Albert tips the scales at nearly 200 pounds. The champ weighed in and tipped the scales at 180.

See also: Scales, tip

tip the balance

to cause a change, esp. in making something more likely to happen tip the scales One or two senators can tip the balance of power on almost any issue.

See also: balance, tip

tip the scales

to cause a change, esp. in making something more likely to happen tip the balance She says the city's reputation helped tip the balance when the company was deciding whether to move the factory.

See also: Scales, tip

tip the scales at something

to be measured as being a particular weight weigh in at something He's added more muscle to his frame, and now tips the scales at 268 pounds.

See also: Scales, tip

The scales fall from somebody's eyes.

  (literary)

if the scales fall from someone's eyes, they are suddenly able to understand the truth When I saw his photograph in the paper, the scales fell from my eyes and I realized I'd been conned.

See tip the scales

See also: eye, fall, Scales

tip the scales

 

1. to make something more or less likely to happen, or to make someone more or less likely to succeed (often + against ) Recent environmental disasters have tipped the scales against oil producers. The sudden economic growth in the area should tip the scales in favour of new investment.

2. to weigh a certain amount (usually + at ) He tips the scales at just over 250 pounds.

See also: Scales, tip

tip the balance

Also, tip the scales; turn the scale. Offset the balance and thereby favor one side or precipitate an action. For example, He felt that affirmative action had tipped the balance slightly in favor of minority groups , or New high-tech weapons definitely tipped the scales in the Gulf War, or Just one more mistake will turn the scale against them. Shakespeare used turn the scale literally in Measure for Measure (4:2): "You weigh equally; a feather will turn the scale." The idioms with tip are much younger, dating from the first half of the 1900s.

See also: balance, tip

tip the scales

1. To register weight (at a certain amount).

2. To offset the balance of a situation.

See also: Scales, tip