What is the origin of the idiom "tip the balance" and when to use it?

The idiom "tip the balance" comes from the ancient practice of weighing objects on a balance scale. The phrase refers to the act of adding weight to one side of the scale to make it heavier than the other, causing the scale to tip in favor of the heavier side. In the context of the idiom, it means any action or influence that can shift the outcome of a situation in favor of one party over another. The idiom is now used more broadly to refer to any situation where a small action or influence can make a significant difference in the outcome.