balance

Definition

  • noun: the state of having your weight spread equally so that you do not fall
  • noun: an instrument for weighing
  • verb: to make (something, such as a plate or your body) steady by keeping weight equal on all sides
  • verb: to compute the difference between the debits and credits of (an account)
  • usually + 'on'
  • synonyms: swiss bank account, accommodate, accord

Examples

  • He's trying to keep his work life and his family life 'in balance'. = He's trying to keep his work life 'in balance with' his family life. [=he's trying to give a proper of amount of time and attention to both his work life and his family life]

  • The discount 'balances out' the shipping charge. = The discount and the shipping charge 'balance' each other 'out'. [=the shipping charge and the discount together equal zero]

  • He needs to achieve/create/strike a better 'balance' between his work life and his family life. [=he needs to spend less time at work and more time with his family]

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) ...you simply walk up behind them and stab them in the heart. - I am gonna stop you. - You never did learn... ...to mind your surroundings. Justice is balance. You burned my house and left me for dead. Consider us even. No one comes out. Make sure. GORDON: (..)
    2005 Batman Begins
  • (..) We sacked Rome. Loaded trade ships with plague rats. Burned London to the ground. Every time a civilization reaches the pinnacle of its decadence... ...we return to restore the balance. Gotham isn't beyond saving. Give me more time. There are good people here. You're defending a city so corrupt... (..)
    2005 Batman Begins