tip the scales

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.

Electric vehicles are pricier than gasoline-powered cars and charging them isn’t cheap with current electricity prices, but sky-high gas prices can tip the scales for consumers deciding which kind of vehicle to buy next.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

Not only might the outcome tip the scales of the next college football season, it could also become a watershed test for this new era of college sports.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

Hemingway would never have drunk here, although the fanfare upon his entry may tip the scales.

From Salon • Jul. 12, 2025

There is no piece of content I can share—or even make!—that will ultimately tip the scales and make all these bad-faith actors see the light.

From Slate • Feb. 9, 2025

And when any one man tries to tip the scales too far, they always bounce back.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick