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balance out

B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

When good things and bad things are equal, so nothing is too much or too little.

Literal meaning: To bring a scale or balance into equilibrium — fairly transparent.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

When opposing factors compensate for each other, resulting in an overall equilibrium.

"The extra costs were balanced out by the money we saved on transport."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To add or adjust something so that two sides or elements become equal.

"Add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 informal

To become stable or equal over a period of time, especially after fluctuations.

"Don't worry about one bad week — your grades will balance out over the semester."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used across many contexts — personal finance, emotions, physical forces, food flavour, and more. Often used reassuringly to suggest that differences will eventually become equal.

Commonly used with

costs gains losses flavours positives negatives

Forms

Base
balance out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
balances out
he/she/it
Past simple
balanced out
yesterday
Past participle
balanced out
have + pp
-ing form
balancing out
continuous

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Synonyms

even out compensate offset neutralise equalise counterbalance

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