in the balance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The hospital absolutely saved her life, it was in the balance initially," he said, adding that he would "always be grateful".

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

The future of nearly 100 million Iranians hangs in the balance.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

President Donald Trump on Tuesday said his Food and Drug Commissioner, Marty Makary, will be replaced, following days of news reports that Makary’s job hung in the balance.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

In a world where public trust in science already hangs in the balance, a system that is visibly strained and occasionally embarrassed gives bad-faith actors fresh ammunition.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

Sometimes the outcome really does teeter and hang in the balance.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton