turn the scale: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘turn the scale’ mean?
The idiom "turn the scale" means to tip the balance or create a decisive change in a situation, typically in someone's favor.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "turn the tide" means to change the course or direction of a situation, typically in a positive way, especially when it seemed to be going against someone or something.
The idiom "turn the tables" means to reverse a situation or gain an advantage over someone who had previously had the upper hand.
The idiom "turn the screw" means to apply pressure or increase the intensity of a situation or demand in order to get a desired outcome or result.
The idiom "turn the corner" means to start making progress or improving after a difficult or challenging situation.
The idiom "turn the boat" means to change direction or alter one's course, often in response to new information or circumstances. It implies a willingness to adapt or make adjustments in order to achieve a desired outcome or navigate through challenges.
The idiom "turn over" means to flip or rotate something, or to change one's position or occupation.
The idiom *turn on its head* means to completely reverse or change something, especially an idea or situation, in a dramatic or unexpected way.
The idiom "turn one's coat" means to switch sides or change one's allegiance for personal gain or advantage.
The idiom "turn of events" refers to an unexpected change or shift in a situation or sequence of events.
The idiom "turn a trick" refers to the act of performing a task or solving a problem, often in a clever or skillful way. It can also have a negative connotation, implying the use of deception or manipulation to achieve a desired outcome.
Deciphering the Sway
The idiom "turn the scale" is commonly used to indicate a decisive action or event that has a significant impact on a situation or outcome. This phrase is similar to the idioms "tip the scale" and "tip the scales," which both convey the idea of reaching a critical point where a small action can bring about a significant change. Another related idiom is "turn the tide," which suggests a shift or change in the direction of events. It is also similar to the idiom "turn the tables," which describes a situation where the advantage or power is reversed. Lastly, the idiom "thumb on the scale" refers to someone unfairly influencing a decision or outcome. These idioms add depth and nuance to the concept of turning the scale.
The origins of the idiom "turn the scale" can be traced back to the literal act of physically turning a balancing scale. In this act, the distribution of weight is altered, causing a change in the equilibrium. This literal interpretation later evolved into a metaphorical usage, referring to the act of decisively resolving a situation or altering the course of events.
When considering the concept of tipping the scale, we understand that reaching a critical point can lead to a significant change. A small, seemingly inconsequential action can have a disproportionate impact on the outcome of a situation, often resulting in unexpected and different results. This idea highlights the transformative power of specific actions and emphasizes the potential for far-reaching consequences.
The idiom "turn the scale" is commonly used in discussions pertaining to competitive situations. In these contexts, a strategic move or significant development can ultimately determine the winner or loser. It serves as a symbol of the pivotal nature of certain actions or events, reinforcing the idea that these moments have the power to shape outcomes and impact the future.
The significance of the idiom is not limited to specific domains, but rather extends to various areas of life. It has been used in politics, sports, business, and personal relationships to describe influential or decisive actions. This usage further emphasizes how these actions can have a lasting impact on the situation at hand.
Overall, the idiom "turn the scale" encapsulates the concept of a decisive action or event that has a significant influence on a situation or outcome. It draws upon the imagery of physically turning a weighing scale and the metaphorical idea of tipping the scale to illustrate the transformative power of specific actions. Additionally, related idioms such as "tip the scale," "tip the scales," "turn the tide," "turn the tables," and "thumb on the scale" add depth and nuance to the understanding of this idiom.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "turn the scale" can be used in a sentence:
- Her tireless efforts to improve her grades turned the scale, and she was able to secure a scholarship to her dream university.
- The convincing argument made by the defense attorney turned the scale in favor of the accused, resulting in a not guilty verdict.
- After a series of successful business deals, his company's profit margins turned the scale, making them the market leader in their industry.
More "Weight" idioms
