tip the scales

tip the scales 

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

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

See also: Scales, tip

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tip the scales

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

See also: Scales, tip