balance out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘balance out’ mean?
The idiom "balance out" means to equalize or make something stable and fair by offsetting opposing forces or influences.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "keep the peace" means to maintain harmony, calm, and order in a situation or relationship, usually by preventing conflict or resolving disputes.
The idiom "hold up one's end" means to fulfill one's responsibilities or contribute one's fair share in a group or partnership.
The idiom "hold together" means to stay unified, despite challenges or difficulties, and not fall apart or disintegrate.
The idiom "hold it together" means to remain composed or maintain self-control in a difficult or challenging situation.
The idiom "happy medium" refers to finding a balance or compromise between two extremes or conflicting ideas.
The idiom "hang in the balance" means to be in a state of uncertainty or indecision, where the outcome is yet to be determined.
The idiom "go together" means that two or more things are harmoniously compatible or commonly associated with each other.
The idiom "go halves" means to share the cost or responsibility of something equally with someone else.
The idiom "go halfsies" means to split the cost or share something equally between two people.
The idiom "give and take" means to compromise or negotiate with others, by both parties making concessions and understanding each other's needs.
The Equilibrium Within
The idioms "balance the books", "balancing act", "flatten out", and "draw even" are closely related to the idiom "balance out." These idioms all convey the idea of achieving equilibrium, rectifying imbalances, or ensuring fairness in different contexts.
"Balance the books" is a financial idiom that refers to the act of reconciling and equalizing accounts to ensure accuracy and fairness. It involves reviewing financial records, correcting discrepancies, and making adjustments to achieve a balanced state. This idiom is often used when discussing financial management, accounting, or budgeting.
"Balancing act" is a metaphorical expression that describes the delicate task of managing multiple responsibilities, interests, or priorities while maintaining equilibrium. It implies the need to make careful adjustments and compromises to achieve a harmonious state. This idiom is often used when discussing work-life balance, decision-making, or multitasking.
"Flatten out" is a phrase that can be used to describe the process of eliminating or reducing variations, fluctuations, or irregularities in a particular situation. It suggests the need to even out differences, levels, or surfaces for the sake of stability or uniformity. This phrase is often used when discussing data trends, performance, or terrain.
"Draw even" is an idiom that conveys the idea of reaching a point of equality or fairness in a competitive or conflicting situation. It suggests the need to balance or equalize positions, outcomes, or advantages to create a level playing field. This idiom is often used when discussing sports, negotiations, or conflicts.
These idioms, along with "balance out," share a common theme of achieving stability, rectifying imbalances, or ensuring fairness. While each idiom has its own specific context and usage, they all revolve around the idea of equilibrium and the need to make adjustments or corrections to achieve it.
By examining these related idioms, we can gain a deeper understanding of the concept of balance and its significance in various aspects of life. Whether in the physical, financial, or metaphorical sense, balance plays a crucial role in maintaining stability, fairness, and harmony.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "balance out" can be used in a sentence:
- She ate a healthy breakfast to balance out the heavy dinner she had the night before.
- After a long day of work, he went for a run to balance out his sedentary lifestyle.
- The positive feedback she received from her boss helped to balance out the criticism she received from her co-workers.
More "Verbs" idioms
