hang in the balance: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hang in the balance’ mean?
The idiom "hang in the balance" means to be in a state of uncertainty or indecision, where the outcome is yet to be determined.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sit on the fence" means to be undecided or neutral in a dispute or indecisive situation.
The idiom "keep one's options open" means to refrain from making a final decision or commitment in order to have the freedom to choose from different possibilities or alternatives.
The idiom "in the wind" means to feel or sense that something is about to happen or change, often referring to a situation that is not yet fully known or understood.
The idiom "in a state" means to be in a state of distress, anxiety or confusion.
The idiom "in a bind" means to be in a difficult or challenging situation where there are not many options or solutions available.
The idiom "hum and haw" means to hesitate, be indecisive, or be unsure about something. It is often used to describe someone who is taking a long time to make a decision or struggling to give a direct answer.
The idiom "hold together" means to stay unified, despite challenges or difficulties, and not fall apart or disintegrate.
The idiom "hold the line" means to remain in a current position or keep a situation stable, often in the face of difficulty or opposition.
The idiom "hold the cards" means to have the control or power in a situation.
Unpredictable Fate
The phrase "hang by a thread" is closely related to the idiom "hang in the balance". It suggests an even more precarious situation, where the outcome is extremely uncertain and could easily go either way. When something is said to be hanging by a thread, it is on the brink of failure or collapse. The thread represents a thin and fragile connection, and any slight disturbance or change could cause everything to come crashing down.
Another related idiom is "hang in", which is used to encourage someone to stay strong and resilient in a difficult or challenging situation. It implies that even though the outcome may be uncertain, it is important to persevere and not give up. Similar to "hang in the balance", "hang in" emphasizes the need for determination and the potential for a positive outcome, despite the uncertainty.
The idiom "sit on the fence" is also relevant to the concept of something hanging in the balance. When someone is said to be sitting on the fence, they are undecided or neutral about a particular issue or decision. They have not taken a definitive stance and are content to observe and wait for more information or developments. This idiom implies a state of uncertainty and being caught between two options, much like when something is hanging in the balance.
In contrast, "hang around" has a slightly different connotation. This idiom refers to someone or something staying in a particular place or lingering without a clear purpose or direction. It can imply a lack of motivation or a state of idleness. While "hang in the balance" suggests an uncertain outcome, "hang around" implies a lack of progress or decisive action.
Finally, the idiom "at stake" is closely related to "hang in the balance" as it also conveys the idea that something important or valuable is in jeopardy. When something is at stake, there are potential risks or rewards involved, and the outcome holds significant consequences. This further emphasizes the high stakes and the need for careful consideration or action when something is hanging in the balance.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hang in the balance" can be used in a sentence:
- The outcome of the court case hung in the balance as the jury deliberated.
- The fate of the endangered species hangs in the balance, depending on conservation efforts.
- The election results will determine which party's policies will hang in the balance for the next term.
More "Uncertainty" idioms
