hang in the balance

Idioms and Phrases

Be in a precarious condition or in a state of suspense. For example, The doctor said her life was hanging in the balance . This expression alludes to the suspended balance scale where an object is placed in one pan and weights are added one by one to the other pan until the two are balanced. [First half of 1400s]

Example Sentences

Six electoral votes hang in the balance.

From BBC

All of this brings us back to Richard Glossip, whose life will hang in the balance during Wednesday’s oral argument before the Supreme Court.

From Slate

Several crucial state races in Arizona hang in the balance — including a measure that would enshrine abortion access in the state Constitution.

From Los Angeles Times

CGS chair Reid acknowledged that the event would “look and feel different” to the last time it was held in Glasgow in 2014 but warned that the “the 2026 Games hang in the balance”.

From BBC

Their respective futures and their prison sentences could hang in the balance during this year’s presidential election.

From Los Angeles Times