Balance is a big part of life, even if we don’t always notice it. Think about a kid learning to ride a bike — wobbling, tipping, and finally staying steady. Or a parent trying to cook dinner, answer emails, and help with homework at the same time. Every day, people in the USA talk about “keeping balance” in their lives — not just physically, but with time, feelings, and choices too.
That’s where idioms come in. Americans use fun phrases like “walking a fine line” or “having a lot on your plate” to describe these moments. These sayings help make tricky ideas easier to talk about. Maybe you’ve heard someone say they’re “burning the candle at both ends” or trying to “stay grounded.” These idioms help us paint a picture with words, and they make conversations more interesting. Let’s explore some of these balance idioms and see how they work in everyday life.
Idioms About Balance
1. Walking a fine line
Meaning: It describes a situation where someone must be very careful not to make a mistake. It’s used when small actions could lead to big trouble if they’re not careful.
Example Sentence:
• She was walking a fine line between being honest and being rude.
• He walks a fine line when joking with his teacher.
• “You’re walking a fine line,” Dad warned, “don’t push your luck.”
• In the article, the mayor walked a fine line between safety and freedom.
Other ways to say: Being careful, staying in control
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from tightrope walking, where performers balance on a thin rope — one wrong move and they fall.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in both American and British English. Used in both formal and casual speech, especially when someone is close to crossing a limit — like at work, school, or in arguments.
2. Balance the books
Meaning: To make sure that money earned and money spent are equal. It’s used when tracking expenses and keeping finances in order.
Example Sentence:
• Dad works hard to balance the books every month.
• The school balanced the books to avoid going over budget.
• Our family needs to balance the books before going on vacation.
• “Let’s balance the books,” the manager said, “before we plan next month.”
Other ways to say: Manage money, keep finances even
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from accounting, where numbers in the books (income and expenses) should “balance out” to zero.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American business and household settings. Used in formal contexts like accounting, but also informally by families or schools. British English also uses it, but “keep the accounts in order” is more common there.
3. Tip the scales
Meaning: To change the result of something by adding just enough to one side. It’s used when one small thing makes a big difference.
Example Sentence:
• Her good grades tipped the scales in her favor.
• The last-minute goal tipped the scales for the team.
• That one late assignment might tip the scales.
• “Getting that scholarship will tip the scales,” the counselor explained.
Other ways to say: Shift the outcome, change the result
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from weighing objects — adding more to one side of a scale causes it to tip.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in both American and British English. Often used in sports, school, and work when something small changes the outcome.
4. Have a lot on your plate
Meaning: To be extremely busy with many responsibilities. It shows someone has more tasks than they can easily handle.
Example Sentence:
• He has a lot on his plate with school and soccer.
• Mom has a lot on her plate planning the party.
• “I can’t take more right now,” she said, “I’ve got a lot on my plate.”
• In the newsletter, teachers were described as having too much on their plate.
Other ways to say: Busy, overloaded
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the image of a plate overflowing with food — too much to eat at once.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in the USA in casual speech. Used at school, work, and home. British English has similar phrases, but “snowed under” is more common there.
5. Burn the candle at both ends
Meaning: To work too much or stay up late and wake up early, leaving no time to rest. It’s used when someone pushes themselves too hard.
Example Sentence:
• She burned the candle at both ends studying and helping at home.
• He burned the candle at both ends and got sick.
• “You need sleep,” Mom said, “stop burning the candle at both ends.”
• The article said many workers are burning the candle at both ends.
Other ways to say: Overdo it, work too much
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from old candles — lighting both ends makes it burn faster and shorter.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English, especially when talking about school or work stress. British English uses the same phrase but also uses “overworking” more directly in news or writing.
6. Throw off balance
Meaning: To confuse someone or interrupt what they’re used to. It’s used when something sudden changes a situation or mood.
Example Sentence:
• The surprise test threw me off balance.
• The loud noise threw the dog off balance.
• Her strange question threw the whole class off balance.
• “That news really threw me off balance,” he said.
Other ways to say: Confuse, upset the routine
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the physical idea of losing your balance, like tripping or being pushed.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in both American and British English. It’s used casually when someone is surprised or caught off guard — emotionally or physically.
7. Keep your balance
Meaning: To stay steady in your body or your emotions. It can describe both physical stability and staying calm during stress.
Example Sentence:
• She kept her balance while ice skating.
• He kept his balance even after getting bad news.
• “Keep your balance,” the coach said during practice.
• In the meeting, she kept her balance while answering tough questions.
Other ways to say: Stay steady, remain calm
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase works for both body control and emotional strength, which makes it flexible in conversations.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used across all types of English. Common in everyday USA talk, especially in sports, health, and emotional topics.
8. Hang in the balance
Meaning: When something important hasn’t been decided yet. The outcome is still up in the air and could go either way.
Example Sentence:
• The game hung in the balance until the last minute.
• Her grade was hanging in the balance after the test.
• “My future hangs in the balance,” he whispered before the interview.
• The court’s decision still hangs in the balance.
Other ways to say: Unclear, uncertain
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the old image of a hanging scale, waiting to tip one way or the other.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used often in American news, sports, and school settings. British English also uses it in similar ways — especially in formal or dramatic contexts.
9. On an even keel
Meaning: To stay calm, steady, and under control. It’s often used to describe someone’s mood or behavior returning to normal.
Example Sentence:
• After the storm, the boat was back on an even keel.
• He keeps his emotions on an even keel.
• “I try to stay on an even keel at work,” she said.
• The team was finally on an even keel after a rough start.
Other ways to say: Stay level, stay calm
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from sailing — a boat is “on an even keel” when both sides are level and steady in the water.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in both American and British English. Often used in work, therapy, or sports to show someone is staying cool and balanced.
10. Out of balance
Meaning: Something is uneven or not working the way it should. It can be physical, emotional, or about fairness in a situation.
Example Sentence:
• The bike felt out of balance after the tire went flat.
• Their friendship felt out of balance when one did all the work.
• “My schedule is totally out of balance this week,” she said.
• The economy feels out of balance right now.
Other ways to say: Uneven, not fair
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the idea of weights on a scale — when one side is too heavy, things feel wrong.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used often in the USA when something feels unfair or stressful. British speakers may say “off balance” more for emotional topics, but both versions are understood.
11. Find your footing
Meaning: To start feeling steady and confident again, especially after a change or challenge. It’s about getting used to something new.
Example Sentence:
• She found her footing after moving to a new school.
• It took time, but he found his footing in the new game.
• “Give her time,” the teacher said, “she’s still finding her footing.”
• After switching jobs, he’s finally found his footing.
Other ways to say: Settle in, get steady
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from walking — when you trip or slip, you need to find your footing again to stay up.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English, especially in schools, sports, and new jobs. British English uses it too but might also say “find your feet.” Both phrases mean the same thing.
12. Keep things in check
Meaning: To control something so it doesn’t get out of hand. It’s used when someone is watching closely to make sure things stay under control.
Example Sentence:
• We keep our screen time in check during school nights.
• The teacher kept the noise in check.
• She kept her spending in check while saving for college.
• “Keep your emotions in check,” the coach said before the big game.
Other ways to say: Control, manage
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “check” comes from old games like chess, where putting someone in check stops their next move.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English, especially in school, parenting, or workplace conversations. British English also uses it, but “keep under control” is more frequent there.
13. Toe the line
Meaning: To follow rules closely and not break them. It’s used when someone behaves just right to avoid trouble.
Example Sentence:
• The players toe the line to avoid penalties.
• She toes the line at school to stay out of trouble.
• He had to toe the line to keep his job.
• “If you don’t toe the line,” Dad warned, “there will be consequences.”
Other ways to say: Follow rules, obey
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom likely came from runners lining up their toes at the start of a race to follow the rules exactly.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American and British English. Used in formal settings like school, work, or military life, where rules matter a lot.
14. Like balancing on a tightrope
Meaning: To be in a risky or delicate situation where one wrong move could cause problems. It shows how careful someone has to be.
Example Sentence:
• Keeping peace between friends felt like balancing on a tightrope.
• He felt like he was on a tightrope at the new job.
• “It’s like walking a tightrope,” she said about raising teenagers.
• In politics, leaders often feel like they’re balancing on a tightrope.
Other ways to say: Being careful, walking a fine line
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from circus performers who walk on ropes high above the ground without falling.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in both American and British English. Common in news, personal stories, or when someone’s facing tricky decisions.
15. Weigh your options
Meaning: To think carefully about what choice to make. It’s used when someone is comparing different paths or decisions.
Example Sentence:
• She weighed her options before choosing a snack.
• He weighed his options before joining a club.
• “We need to weigh our options,” Mom said before buying the car.
• The coach weighed his options before picking the final team.
Other ways to say: Think it over, consider choices
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of using a scale to compare weight — just like comparing the pros and cons of a decision.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English in both serious and casual talk. British English uses it too, though sometimes says “consider your choices” or “look at both sides.”
16. Balance act
Meaning: Trying to do two or more things at once without dropping any of them. It shows how someone is managing multiple responsibilities.
Example Sentence:
• Being a student and helping at home is a balance act.
• He does a balancing act between sports and school.
• It’s a balancing act to raise kids and work full time.
• “This job is a real balancing act,” she said about parenting.
Other ways to say: Juggle tasks, manage both
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from circus performers who balance things like plates, chairs, or even themselves during shows.
Usage/Cultural Notes: “Balancing act” is used more often than “balance act” in both American and British English. It’s heard in news, work, and daily life when someone’s doing many things at once.
17. Off balance
Meaning: Feeling unsteady or surprised by something. It can mean physical unsteadiness or being caught emotionally off guard.
Example Sentence:
• The fast turn threw him off balance.
• Her sudden question caught me off balance.
• He felt off balance after the unexpected news.
• “That comment threw me off balance,” she said during the meeting.
Other ways to say: Surprised, unsteady
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase works both for the body (like slipping) and for emotions (like confusion).
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used often in American English in sports, school, and daily life. British English uses it too, especially in emotional or awkward moments.
18. Make up for lost time
Meaning: To do something quickly because time was missed earlier. It’s used when someone is trying to catch up after a delay.
Example Sentence:
• They made up for lost time after the power came back.
• He studied hard to make up for lost time.
• We made up for lost time by running the last mile faster.
• “Let’s make up for lost time,” she said after arriving late.
Other ways to say: Catch up, hurry
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of using extra effort to balance out time that was wasted or unavailable.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English in schools, sports, or work. British English also uses this phrase, especially when talking about travel or productivity.
19. Hold steady
Meaning: To stay firm and not move or change. It can refer to staying still physically or staying calm emotionally.
Example Sentence:
• The ladder held steady while he climbed.
• She held steady through the storm.
• “Hold steady,” the nurse said as she gave the shot.
• His voice held steady even though he was nervous.
Other ways to say: Stay firm, remain steady
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase has roots in both construction and sailing — holding steady keeps things safe and in control.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in American English for both physical and emotional strength. British speakers use it similarly but may say “keep steady” in everyday talk.
20. Stay grounded
Meaning: To stay calm, humble, and not get carried away by emotions or success. It shows emotional strength and humility.
Example Sentence:
• She stays grounded no matter what happens.
• He stays grounded and doesn’t brag.
• “You’ve got to stay grounded,” the coach told the team.
• After winning, she stayed grounded and thanked her team.
Other ways to say: Stay humble, be calm
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the image of staying connected to the earth, like a tree with strong roots.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English, especially in parenting and sports. In British English, similar phrases include “keep your feet on the ground.”
21. In balance
Meaning: Everything is even, steady, and feels just right. It can describe health, emotions, or daily life being well-managed.
Example Sentence:
• Her life felt in balance after the summer break.
• Eating veggies and fruits helps keep your body in balance.
• “I finally feel in balance,” he said after getting enough sleep.
• The yoga teacher talked about living in balance.
Other ways to say: Even, well-adjusted
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from physical balance, where weight is evenly spread, and now applies to health, time, and emotions.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American wellness and health talk. British English also uses it but might add “in harmony” in spiritual or emotional contexts.
22. Rock the boat
Meaning: To cause a problem or change in a situation that is calm or going well. It’s often a warning not to disturb peace.
Example Sentence:
• Don’t rock the boat during the meeting.
• He rocked the boat by asking a hard question.
• “Why rock the boat?” she asked, “Everything’s fine.”
• The team was nervous he might rock the boat before the playoffs.
Other ways to say: Cause a problem, stir things up
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the image of someone moving in a small boat, making it wobble or tip by shifting weight.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very popular in American English, especially in work or group settings. British speakers also use it with the same meaning, often in political or social talk.
23. Even the score
Meaning: To make things fair again, especially after losing or being treated unfairly. It often relates to winning back points or respect.
Example Sentence:
• He evened the score by winning the second round.
• She wanted to even the score after losing last time.
• They evened the score with a surprise comeback.
• “Now we’ve evened the score,” he said after tying the game.
Other ways to say: Make it fair, tie the game
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sports and games, where the score is tied to show equal standing.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American sports and casual talk. British English also uses it, but phrases like “get your own back” may be used when it’s more about revenge.
24. Keep a level head
Meaning: To stay calm and think clearly during stress or danger. It’s used when someone doesn’t panic, even in hard situations.
Example Sentence:
• She kept a level head during the fire drill.
• He kept a level head while helping the injured kid.
• “Keep a level head,” the teacher reminded during the emergency.
• In the game, he kept a level head and scored the winning point.
Other ways to say: Stay cool, don’t panic
Fun Fact/Origin: “Level” means even and steady — the phrase shows how keeping your mind steady helps in tense moments.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English during emergencies or conflicts. British English uses it too, often in sports or military talk.
25. Balance out
Meaning: To make two things even by adding or taking away. It’s often used when one thing helps fix or match the other.
Example Sentence:
• Eating fruit can balance out too much candy.
• The team’s hard work balanced out their slow start.
• She balanced out her long day with a nap.
• “This win helps balance out our past losses,” the coach said.
Other ways to say: Make even, cancel out
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of a scale — if one side is too heavy, you add to the other side to even things out.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used widely in the USA in health, school, and sports. British English also uses this phrase in daily life, especially around food and fairness.
26. Level the playing field
Meaning: To make things fair so everyone has the same chance. It’s used when changes help people start from equal ground.
Example Sentence:
• Giving everyone a calculator helped level the playing field.
• They made new rules to level the playing field.
• The scholarship program helps level the playing field for low-income students.
• “We want to level the playing field,” the teacher said about group grading.
Other ways to say: Make fair, even the chances
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sports — a flat field means no team has an uphill battle.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English in school, sports, and politics. British English also uses it often in workplace or education topics.
27. Walking on eggshells
Meaning: To be super careful not to upset someone. It’s used when a person feels nervous about saying or doing the wrong thing.
Example Sentence:
• We walked on eggshells around the angry coach.
• She felt like she was walking on eggshells at dinner.
• “I’m tired of walking on eggshells,” he said after the argument.
• The class walked on eggshells after the teacher lost her temper.
Other ways to say: Be extra careful, avoid trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how fragile eggshells are — even a light step can break them.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American family or workplace conversations. British English also uses it, especially in tense relationships or emotional settings.
28. Pull your weight
Meaning: To do your fair part of the work in a group. It’s used when everyone is expected to help equally.
Example Sentence:
• Everyone must pull their weight in the group project.
• He didn’t pull his weight during practice.
• “Pull your weight,” the coach told the team.
• She always pulls her weight at home and at school.
Other ways to say: Do your part, help out
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from rowing — if each rower doesn’t pull equally, the boat doesn’t move well.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Widely used in American teamwork and sports talk. British English also uses this idiom, especially in work and group situations.
29. Balancing act
Meaning: Trying to handle many jobs or tasks at the same time. It shows the pressure of managing several things without letting any fail.
Example Sentence:
• Managing homework and chores is a balancing act.
• She’s doing a balancing act with school, sports, and friends.
• “It’s a real balancing act,” Mom said about raising kids and working.
• The principal called his job a balancing act between rules and kindness.
Other ways to say: Juggle things, handle everything
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from circus acts where performers balance items or themselves to entertain.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Popular in American daily life, often in family, school, and job settings. British English uses the same phrase with the same meaning.
30. Tip over
Meaning: To fall down or lose control from being off balance. It’s used when something can’t stay upright, either physically or emotionally.
Example Sentence:
• The vase tipped over when the ball hit it.
• He tipped over from trying to carry too much.
• “Don’t tip over the drinks,” Dad warned.
• The tower tipped over after the last block was added.
Other ways to say: Fall, lose balance
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of tipping — once something leans too far, it falls.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English for both people and objects. British English also uses “tip over,” but might say “fall over” more often in casual talk.
31. Keep your head above water
Meaning: To just barely manage during a tough time. It’s used when someone is struggling but still staying afloat.
Example Sentence:
• She’s trying to keep her head above water with all the homework.
• He works extra hours to keep his head above water.
• “I’m barely keeping my head above water,” she said during finals week.
• The company is trying to keep its head above water during hard times.
Other ways to say: Survive, just manage
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from swimming — when you keep your head above water, you can breathe and avoid drowning.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English, especially in school, work, or financial talk. British English also uses it in similar ways, often when talking about stress or struggle.
32. On shaky ground
Meaning: In a risky, weak, or uncertain situation. It’s used when something might fall apart or fail.
Example Sentence:
• His plan is on shaky ground without support.
• Their friendship was on shaky ground after the fight.
• “We’re on shaky ground here,” the lawyer warned.
• The company’s future was on shaky ground after the report.
Other ways to say: Uncertain, not stable
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the feeling of standing on soft or shifting ground where it’s hard to stay balanced.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Widely used in American English in school, law, and news. British English uses this phrase too, often to describe risky projects or shaky relationships.
33. Even things out
Meaning: To make a situation more fair or balanced. It’s used when correcting something that was unfair or uneven.
Example Sentence:
• They evened things out by giving everyone the same turn.
• He helped even things out between his two friends.
• “Let’s even things out,” Dad said, cutting the cake evenly.
• She worked extra to even things out after missing practice.
Other ways to say: Make it fair, fix the balance
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the idea of making both sides equal, like balancing a scale.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American conversations about fairness, games, or teamwork. British English uses it too, though “make things fair” is often more direct.
34. Get back in balance
Meaning: To return to feeling calm, steady, or well after a rough time. It’s about feeling right again.
Example Sentence:
• He got back in balance after a good night’s sleep.
• Her life got back in balance after the holiday.
• “I need to get back in balance,” she said after a stressful week.
• Yoga helps him get back in balance.
Other ways to say: Feel steady again, calm down
Fun Fact/Origin: This is often linked to health, emotions, or daily routines — like balancing time, energy, or food.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American wellness and daily life. British English uses similar phrases like “get back on track” or “feel settled.”
35. Hold the line
Meaning: To stay firm and not give in, especially under pressure. It’s used when someone sticks to rules, values, or limits.
Example Sentence:
• The kids held the line and didn’t break the rules.
• He held the line when asked to cheat.
• “Hold the line,” the coach told the team during the tough game.
• They held the line on prices even when others raised theirs.
Other ways to say: Stay firm, don’t give in
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from battle — soldiers would hold the front line so enemies couldn’t pass.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Often used in American English in sports, politics, and parenting. British English uses it too, though sometimes with a more military or official tone.
36. Get your balance back
Meaning: To become steady again after being thrown off physically or emotionally. It’s used when someone is recovering or adjusting.
Example Sentence:
• She got her balance back after slipping on the ice.
• He took a break to get his balance back after a stressful week.
• “Take a moment to get your balance back,” the teacher said after recess.
• After moving to a new school, it took her a while to get her balance back.
Other ways to say: Recover, regain control
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from physical movement — when you lose your balance, you have to steady yourself again.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American speech for both physical and emotional recovery. British English uses similar expressions like “regain your footing.”
37. Tip the balance
Meaning: To cause a small change that makes a big difference in the outcome. Often used when something finally pushes a decision one way.
Example Sentence:
• His last-minute goal tipped the balance for the team.
• The final vote tipped the balance in her favor.
• “One small detail could tip the balance,” said the lawyer.
• Her kindness tipped the balance and won them over.
Other ways to say: Change the result, swing the decision
Fun Fact/Origin: Related to weighing scales — one small addition can cause the scale to tip to one side.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in both American and British English in news, sports, and debates. It’s similar to “tip the scales,” but often has a more final tone.
38. Out of kilter
Meaning: Not working right, off-balance, or not normal. It’s used when something feels off or unusual.
Example Sentence:
• My sleep schedule is out of kilter after vacation.
• The machine was out of kilter and needed fixing.
• “Everything feels out of kilter today,” she said.
• Their friendship was out of kilter after the argument.
Other ways to say: Off balance, not right
Fun Fact/Origin: An old phrase, possibly from the idea of a misaligned wheel or gear.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Less common in everyday American English now, but still heard in the South or older generations. More frequently used in British English to describe physical or emotional imbalance.
Quiz: Idioms About Balance
Instructions: Choose the best meaning for each idiom. Each question has three choices. Pick the one that makes the most sense.
Question Key
1. What does “walking a fine line” mean?
A) Drawing a line on paper
B) Being very careful
C) Walking on the sidewalk
2. If someone “burns the candle at both ends,” what are they doing?
A) Lighting candles in the dark
B) Wasting candles
C) Working too hard without rest
3. What does “keep your balance” mean?
A) Stay calm or steady
B) Spin in a circle
C) Jump up and down
4. If a situation is “hanging in the balance,” what does it mean?
A) It is already decided
B) It is unclear what will happen
C) It is boring
5. What does it mean to “have a lot on your plate”?
A) You are at a buffet
B) You are very busy
C) You are cooking dinner
6. When someone says “pull your weight,” what are they asking?
A) To carry something heavy
B) To eat more food
C) To do your fair share of work
7. What does “weigh your options” mean?
A) Lift different things
B) Think before choosing
C) Put things on a scale
8. If someone is “on shaky ground,” what does it mean?
A) They are standing on soft dirt
B) They are in a risky or unsure situation
C) They are in a fun place
9. What does “stay grounded” mean?
A) Stay on the floor
B) Stay calm and not act wild
C) Get in trouble
10. If you “rock the boat,” what are you doing?
A) Causing trouble in a steady situation
B) Sailing fast
C) Washing a boat
11. What does “balance out” mean?
A) To fall down
B) To make things equal again
C) To flip something over
12. If you are “keeping your head above water,” what are you doing?
A) Swimming for fun
B) Doing okay in a tough time
C) Floating on your back
13. What does “toe the line” mean?
A) Paint your toe
B) Walk in a straight line
C) Follow rules carefully
Answer Key
- B) Being very careful
- C) Working too hard without rest
- A) Stay calm or steady
- B) It is unclear what will happen
- B) You are very busy
- C) To do your fair share of work
- B) Think before choosing
- B) They are in a risky or unsure situation
- B) Stay calm and not act wild
- A) Causing trouble in a steady situation
- B) To make things equal again
- B) Doing okay in a tough time
- C) Follow rules carefully
Wrapping Up
Idioms about balance are great for describing how we try to stay steady in life—whether we’re juggling school, handling stress, or keeping calm during tough moments. These phrases show up in everyday conversations across the USA and help make tricky situations easier to talk about.
So the next time you’re dealing with a full schedule or trying to be fair, try using one of these idioms. They’re easy to learn, and they help your ideas come through clearly and naturally.
