The phrase "tipped the scales" means to have a decisive effect on a situation or outcome. The pronunciation is /tɪpt ðə skeɪlz/. "Tipped" is pronounced with a short "i" sound and the stress on the first syllable. The word "scales" is pronounced with a long "a" sound in the first syllable and stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word is typical for English, with the exception of the double letter "p" in "tipped." Overall, the phrase is easy to pronounce and spelled correctly.
To "tip the scales" is an idiomatic expression that refers to influencing or affecting the final outcome of a situation, often by providing a decisive or powerful factor that leads to a specific result. It originates from the balancing scales used to measure weight in various contexts.
Metaphorically, when an individual or event "tips the scales," they exert a disproportionate influence that sways the outcome in one direction. The expression implies that the added weight is a crucial factor or a turning point that ultimately determines the result in favor of one side over the other. This could involve adding one's opinion, influence, or actions to an ongoing matter, primarily with the intention of altering the final outcome.
The phrase "tipping the scales" is frequently used in contexts involving debates, competitions, decisions, or conflicts where a fine balance exists between two or more perspectives, options, or outcomes. When someone tips the scales, they impose a change or provide a decisive advantage that ultimately leads to a specific outcome. This outcome could be positive or negative, depending on the context in which the expression is used.
Overall, "tipping the scales" captures the idea of exerting an influential force that ultimately determines a result or outcome by adding significant weight to one side of a situation.