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maintain a balance
/meɪnˈteɪn ə ˈbæləns/
keep things in equilibrium
It's important to maintain a balance between work and personal life.
It's important to keep work and personal life in equilibrium.
general
to keep something in a state of equilibrium or stability
The company must maintain a balance between innovation and cost control.
The company must keep innovation and cost control in equilibrium.
She maintains a balance between her responsibilities at home and her career.
She keeps her home responsibilities and career in equilibrium.
Often used in contexts where two or more competing priorities must be managed.
Collocations
maintain a balance betweenkeep two or more things in equilibriummaintain a healthy balancekeep things in a good state of equilibrium
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Use with 'between'
The phrase is often followed by 'between' to specify the competing elements, e.g., 'maintain a balance between work and relaxation.'
Gold Rule
Avoid literal overuse
While 'maintain a balance' can refer to physical equilibrium, it is most commonly used metaphorically for managing competing priorities.
Usage Notes
Common in everyday and professional contexts to describe managing competing demands or resources.
Word Breakdown
maintain
keep in a certain state
verba balance
equilibrium or stability
noun phraseEnglish Dictionary