hang in the balance

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.

"Lives hang in the balance," read a recent letter to Premier Susan Holt, signed by 72 of the patients.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

“Because, respectfully, I cannot abide our repeated, gratuitous, and harmful interference with cases pending in the lower courts while lives hang in the balance, I dissent.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

Haitian immigrants in the U.S. are navigating a chaotic mix of relief and foreboding as their futures in the country hang in the balance.

From Salon • Aug. 4, 2025

Apart from China, duties for many other countries also hang in the balance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 29, 2025

Sometimes the outcome really does teeter and hang in the balance.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton