to-strike-a-balance
/tə straɪk ə ˈbæl.əns/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
to find a middle point between two different needs, choices, or opinions. It means you do not choose only one side; you try to be fair to both.
- We must strike a balance between speed and quality.
- She struck a balance between work and family.
- The report tries to strike a balance.
Adinary Nuance
Strike a balance is used when two good or necessary things must both be considered. It is more active and careful than just saying balance, and more neutral than compromise. Writers often choose it in formal or academic English when they want to show thoughtful decision-making.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tạo sự cân bằng
- Spanish
- lograr un equilibrio
- Chinese
- 取得平衡
- Japanese
- バランスを取る
- Korean
- 균형을 맞추다
Etymology
This phrase uses the old verb strike in the sense of 'reach' or 'achieve'. It became common in English as a fixed phrase for finding a middle way.
Common phrases
strike a balance betweenstrike the right balancestriking a balancea careful balance
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is strike a balance formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and common in writing, reports, and speeches.
- What is the difference between strike a balance and compromise?
- Strike a balance means finding a suitable middle point. Compromise often means both sides give up something.
- Can I say balance between two things?
- Yes, but strike a balance is more natural when you mean careful choice.
- Is it used in academic writing?
- Yes. It is very common in academic and IELTS-style writing.