hang in the balance

VERB

hang in suspense

Synonyms

WEAK

be touch and go hang

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.

And for that reason, it carries real upside for TPS holders whose lives hang in the balance.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

Years of arms control policy now hang in the balance, Herzog added.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

But given that free speech itself may hang in the balance, it’s at least worth a try.

From Salon • Nov. 30, 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