The phrase "turn the scale" is spelled /tərn ðə skeɪl/. The first word, "turn," is spelled with the sound /t/ and the vowel sound /ɜː/ followed by the consonant sound /r/. The definite article "the" is pronounced as the /ðə/ sound. The second word, "scale," is pronounced with the /sk/ blend and the long vowel sound /eɪ/, followed by the final consonant sound /l/. This phrase means to tip the balance in a situation or decision.
"Turn the scale" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of influencing or determining the outcome of a particular situation or event by tipping the balance in one's favor. The phrase derives its meaning from the image of a balanced scale, where the addition or removal of weight can cause it to tip towards one side.
In a broader sense, "turn the scale" signifies the ability to alter the course of events or to change the overall balance or outcome of a situation. It implies having the power or influence to affect significant and decisive change in one's favor. This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as in sports, debates, negotiations, or any other situation where there is a noticeable balance or competition between opposing factors or individuals.
When someone or something "turns the scale," it implies a shift in the balance of power or advantage. This could involve the introduction of a new factor, a key decision, a persuasive argument, or a critical action that ultimately leads to a different outcome. It often suggests that a minor adjustment or intervention has a substantial impact on the final result.
Overall, "turn the scale" refers to the act of fundamentally altering or determining the balance of power, advantage, or outcome in a given situation, often by means of a decisive action or critical factor.