thin balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a precarious or delicate situation where there is little margin for error or stability. Example: "The company is operating on a thin balance between profitability and financial instability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With the German government's having decided to get out of the nuclear industry in 2011 after Fukushima, the sale of their Urenco stakes would help the power companies beef up their thin balance sheets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In her portrayals, Geffen is a shady, hot-tempered Godfather type (­"superagent and resident fix-it guy"); Katzenberg furiously battles against changes in the digital-animation revolution while waging a breach-of-­contract suit against Disney; and Spielberg, stretched thin, balances his own commitments but also presides over the work of other filmmakers.

The New York Times - Books

What's the sense stretching your already-thin balance sheet just to keep a market open for your customers?

The New York Times

This paper describes the design and development of a accelerometer-based thin flat balance system for measuring aerodynamic forces on typical flight configurations in impulse facilities.

Measurement

Posters are usually quite large so it is best to choose a frame that is thin to balance out the shapes.

WikiHow

The new bike-wheel microcell incorporated into the thin-film balance provides a useful tool for studying thin-film forces, especially for larger molecular weight stabilizing species.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

A thin-film balance employing either a Sheludko capillary or a Mysels-inspired porous-medium film holder provides a direct measurement of disjoining-pressure isotherms in free, liquid thin films.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

Unless this thinning is balanced by the secretion or deposition of new cell wall material, this process eventually leads to mechanical failure and thus the bursting of the growing pollen tube.

Plosone

"We didn't just give Nassau $25 million out of thin air to balance their budget," Mr. Kessel said.

The New York Times

In the rush Liz teeters, grabbing Caroline into a hug, her hands gripping Caroline's thin shoulders for balance.

The New Yorker

Rebels north of Aleppo had already been stretched thin, attempting to balance fronts against the regime, the Islamic State, and the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and their allies.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial states, use "thin balance" to highlight vulnerability. For example: "The company operates on a thin balance between profit and loss."

Common error

Avoid using "thin balance" when describing situations that are merely uncertain, rather than genuinely precarious. Opt for phrases like "unclear balance" or "uncertain equilibrium" in less critical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin balance" functions as a noun phrase, where "thin" modifies the noun "balance". It describes a state of equilibrium that is easily disrupted or maintained with difficulty. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in financial and physical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thin balance" describes a precarious state, often implying vulnerability or risk. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While "fragile equilibrium" or "delicate balance" can serve as alternatives, "thin balance" specifically highlights a narrow margin for error. Be mindful of its negative connotations and avoid overstating situations that are merely uncertain. The phrase finds common usage in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, though it is relatively uncommon overall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Precarious equilibrium

Emphasizes the unstable nature of the balance.

Delicate equilibrium

Highlights the fragility and ease with which the balance can be disrupted.

Tenuous equilibrium

Implies a balance that is weak and easily disturbed.

Fragile balance

Focuses on the vulnerability and susceptibility of the balance to external factors.

Marginal equilibrium

Suggests a balance that exists on the edge and is barely maintained.

Precarious poise

Highlights the unsteady and potentially dangerous nature of the balanced state.

Delicate poise

Implies a state of balance that is maintained with great care and precision.

Slight imbalance

Shifts the focus to the potential for disruption and the delicate nature of the balance.

Tenuous stability

Emphasizes the weak and easily compromised nature of the stability.

Fragile stability

Highlights the vulnerability and potential for the stability to collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "thin balance" in a sentence?

You can use "thin balance" to describe situations where resources or margins are limited, such as "The budget operated on a "thin balance", making any unexpected expenses problematic."

What's a good alternative to "thin balance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "fragile balance", "tenuous equilibrium", or "precarious situation".

Is "thin balance" the same as "delicate balance"?

While similar, "thin balance" often implies a quantitative shortage or narrow margin, whereas "delicate balance" typically describes a situation requiring careful management.

Can "thin balance" be used in a positive context?

Rarely. The phrase generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting vulnerability or risk. It's best reserved for situations where there's a real concern about stability or sustainability.