be weighed (in the balance) and found wanting

be weighed (in the balance) and found wanting

To be judged deficient or substandard after being tested or reviewed. The phrase comes from the Bible. The senator always claimed to be hugely popular within his state, but in the most recent election, he was weighed in the balance and found wanting. Look, employee reviews are always nerve-racking—no one wants to be weighed and found wanting. Based on those reports, it sounds like the government's stimulus plan has been weighed in the balance and found wanting in several key areas.

See also: and, found, wanting, weigh

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

weighed (in the balance) and found wanting

Tested and proved faulty. This expression comes from the Bible, as part of Daniel’s interpretation to King Belshazzar of the writing on the wall (Daniel 5:27). It has been used ever since to mean a deficiency or failure.

See also: and, found, wanting, weigh

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer