in the balance Definition

balance
noun

1. A state of physical stability in which the weight of a body is evenly distributed.
2. An instrument for weighing, usually with two dishes hanging from a bar supported in the middle.
3. The amount by which the two sides of a financial account (money spent and money received) differ.
4. An amount left over.

Thesaurus: excess, surplus, remainder, rest, residue.
5. A state of mental or emotional stability.
6. A state existing when two opposite forces are equal.

Thesaurus: equilibrium, symmetry, equivalence, parity, stability, counterbalance; Antonym: asymmetry, instability.
7. Something that is needed to create such equality.
8. A device which regulates the speed of a clock or watch.

verb balanced, balancing

tr & intr
1. To be in, or put something into, a state of physical balance.

Thesaurus: offset, oppose, steady, stabilize, neutralize, level, even, square, countervail, correspond; Antonym: topple, upset.
2. To compare two or more things in one's mind; to compare their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Form: balance something against something else (often)
3. To find the difference between money put into an account and money taken out of it, and to make them equal.

Example: balance the books
Thesaurus: settle, square, compute, adjust, audit, calculate, tally, reckon.
intr
4. To be or become equal in amount.

Form: balance out (also)

Idiom: in the balance

Not yet decided.

Idiom: on balance

Having taken all the advantages and disadvantages into consideration.

Etymology: 14c as noun 2: from Latin bilanx having two scales.