Oil prices at $140 a barrel, it will be recalled, were what helped tip the world economy into recession.
British intelligence - in all its dimensions - was a factor that helped tip the balance.
They say the sales helped tip the country into turmoil.
Elsewhere, where the local linguistic culture was more divided, they helped tip the balance towards English.
But will it help tip the balance in Congress?
To help tip the balance, the board invited each man to separate dinner parties at one member's home.
What may help tip the balance for some consumers are the environmental benefits.
For example, cash rebates and financing offers may be available, which can help tip the scale in one direction.
Only about 10 percent of those he helps tip him, and he does not expect them to.
But for the city and its suburbs, clean air, good health care, low property taxes and cultural institutions helped tip the scale.