Example: Seine Entscheidung war das Zünglein an der Waage im Streitfall.
Definition
"Das Zünglein an der Waage sein" means to be the decisive factor or the small influence that tips the balance in a situation, often determining the outcome. For example, it refers to a decision or element that ultimately decides a dispute or result.
Translations
tip the scales
inclinar la balanza
de doorslag geven
fer decantar la balança
faire pencher la balance
Etymology
The phrase "das Zünglein an der Waage sein" originates from the image of a balance scale, where the 'Zünglein' is the tiny tongue or pointer that indicates the scale's equilibrium. The expression emphasizes how something very small can have a significant impact, tipping the scales in one direction or another.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Das Zünglein an der Waage sein" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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tip the scales