Phrase guide

hang in the balance

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be in a precarious situation, unsure of the future.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • His life was left hanging in the balance after he was shot in the side.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: olla vaakalaudalla — to be in a precarious situation
  • Italian: essere in bilico — to be in a precarious situation
  • Portuguese: estar por um fio — to be in a precarious situation
  • Russian: висе́ть на волоске́ (visétʹ na voloské) — to be in a precarious situation
  • Spanish: pender de un hilo — to be in a precarious situation