tip the scale
verb1
Idiomatic To change the fortunes, either positively or negatively.
- The priest went on to say that God tipped the scales in favor of hope "through the resurrection of our crucified divine brother Jesus."2007, Melannie Svoboda, In Steadfast Love: Letters on the Spiritual Life, page 122:
2
Idiomatic, Used with "at" To weigh (have a certain weight).
- was kindly called to account by the good doctor when her nine-months'-old baby tipped the scales at barely twelve pounds.1917, Mabel Thorp Boardman, Under the Red Cross flag at home and abroad, page 190: