Definition of "tip the scales" [tip the scales]

• To turn to one side a balanced situation. (verb)

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• "However, on 12 July, as they were preparing to advance toward Prokhorovka and tip the scales of battle in favor of the SS divisions fighting there, the tanks were recalled."
• "At so uncertain a moment, it seemed to Grey that the sending of a British officer who knew most of Turkey’s secrets to command a squadron off the Dardanelles might sufficiently offend the Turks as to tip the scales toward war."