Scales

The scales fall from someone's eyes. (literary)

if the scales fall from someone's eyes, they are suddenly able to understand the truth. When I saw his photograph in the paper, the scales fell from my eyes and I realized I'd been conned.

See also: eye, fall, from

tip the scales

1. to make something more or less likely to happen, or to make someone more or less likely to succeed. Recent environmental disasters have tipped the scales against oil producers. (often + against) The sudden economic growth in the area should tip the scales in favour of new investment.

2. to weigh a certain amount. He tips the scales at just over 250 pounds. (usually + at)

See also: tip

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tip the scales

to cause a change, esp. in making something more likely to happen. She says the city's reputation helped tip the balance when the company was deciding whether to move the factory.

See also: tip

tip the scales at something

to be measured as being a particular weight. He's added more muscle to his frame, and now tips the scales at 268 pounds.

See also: tip