lay in the balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay in the balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where the outcome is uncertain or at risk, often involving important decisions or consequences. Example: "The future of the project lay in the balance as the team awaited the final decision from the investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

What lay in the balance was a simple decision: up or down, 1 or 0. Believe the controller or believe the machine.

The New York Times

The lack of an outstanding challenger to England's lofty standing was further reinforced by events over the first three days in Melbourne where a seesaw opening Test lay in the balance overnight.

Independent

At the beginning of the 21st century, as the idea of decentralization particularly the devolution of certain political powers to the regions remained a perennial political topic, the Eternal City's role within Italy lay in the balance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Why did he leave Syria's second city while its destiny still lay in the balance?

BBC

Football shirts left by well-wishers as Fabrice Muamba's survival lay in the balance are to be shipped off to Africa.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But Emmanuel's dreams still lie in the balance.

Independent

But the Guardian understands that the fate of those feeds, too, lies in the balance.

The Guardian - Tech

In this latest dispute, the constitutional confusion lies in the balance of power between branches.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather, the fate of a few citizens, unregarded and often unsavory, lies in the balance.

The New Yorker

But as the life of the HRA lies in the balance, dispute rages over its parentage.

The Guardian - Opinion

When fortunes, pay and careers lie in the balance; people pay good attention.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lay in the balance" when you want to emphasize the uncertainty and high stakes associated with a decision or situation. It adds a touch of formality and seriousness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "lay in the balance" for unimportant or trivial situations. The phrase implies significant consequences, so reserve it for scenarios where the outcome truly matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay in the balance" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that something's future or outcome is uncertain and dependent on other factors. It suggests a pivotal moment where the situation's fate is yet to be determined. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and typical usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lay in the balance" is a grammatically correct and effective way to describe a situation where the outcome is uncertain and of significant importance, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While the phrase effectively conveys uncertainty, it should be reserved for situations where the stakes are genuinely high. Related phrases include "hang in the balance" and "be at stake". The phrase is best used to add a touch of formality and seriousness to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hang in the balance

Implies suspense and uncertainty about the outcome.

be at stake

Highlights the potential loss or gain associated with the outcome.

be in jeopardy

Emphasizes the risk of failure or harm.

be on the line

Suggests a critical point where success or failure is imminent.

rest on a knife-edge

Conveys a precarious situation with a delicate balance.

remain undecided

Focuses on the lack of a final decision or resolution.

be touch-and-go

Indicates a fluctuating situation with uncertain progress.

depend on the outcome

Highlights the reliance of future events on the current situation's resolution.

be up in the air

Suggests a state of uncertainty and lack of clarity.

be in a state of flux

Emphasizes the changing and unstable nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "lay in the balance" in a sentence?

You can use "lay in the balance" to describe a situation where the outcome is uncertain and important, such as "The future of the company "lay in the balance" during the crucial negotiations".

What phrases are similar to "lay in the balance"?

Alternatives to "lay in the balance" include "hang in the balance", "be at stake", or "rest on a knife-edge".

Is it better to use "lay in the balance" or "hang in the balance"?

Both "lay in the balance" and "hang in the balance" are appropriate, but "lay in the balance" often conveys a slightly more formal and weighty tone.

What does it mean when something "lay in the balance"?

When something "lay in the balance", it means its fate or outcome is uncertain and depends on future events or decisions. The situation is at a critical point where things could go either way.