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 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.

Counteract and stabilize to maintain equilibrium and balance.

"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.

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