a/the tipping point

tipping point

A critical or pivotal point in a situation or process at which some small or singular influence acts as a catalyst for a broader, more dramatic, or irreversible change. The bank's implosion acted as a tipping point for the economic recession, as stock markets crashed and countless other businesses were forced into bankruptcy as a result. The execution of the rebel leaders proved to be a tipping point for the country, as the public overwhelmingly shifted to an anti-empire sentiment.

See also: point, tip

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a/the ˈtipping point

the point at which, after a series of small changes, something reaches a level where it begins to change dramatically or starts to have an important effect on something/somebody : We’re at a tipping point; if we spend just a bit more, we will get a large increase in productivity.

See also: point, tip

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017