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.

The future of nearly 100 million Iranians hangs in the balance.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Richards said the midfielder's World Cup hopes are in the balance, but if he was in Tuchel's shoes he would be taking him.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

"Narges Mohammadi's life hangs in the balance," her Paris-based husband Taghi Rahmani said in a statement.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

In a world where public trust in science already hangs in the balance, a system that is visibly strained and occasionally embarrassed gives bad-faith actors fresh ammunition.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

They gather and consider far more information than is truly necessary because it makes them feel more confident—and with someone’s life in the balance, they need to feel more confident.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell