play a pivotal role; hold the balance; be very important
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Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
hold the balance; play a decisive/crucial/pivotal role
formalUsed to describe a person, group, or factor whose actions or position significantly influence a situation, often in politics, economics, or key decisions. The original imagery is from the Eastern Han history where a general's movement (lifting a foot) could tip the balance between two rival states.
Zuò作
wéi为
zhǔ主
yào要
gōng供
yīng应
shāng商
，
gāi该
gōng公
sī司
zài在
háng行
yè业
zhōng中
jǔ举
zú足
qīng轻
zhòng重
。
As a major supplier, this company plays a pivotal role in the industry.
Tā他
de的
yī一
piào票
zài在
shì势
jūn均
lì力
dí敌
de的
xuǎn选
jǔ举
zhōng中
jǔ举
zú足
qīng轻
zhòng重
。
His vote holds the balance in a neck-and-neck election.
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Zhè这
xiàng项
guān关
jiàn键
jì技
shù术
zài在
xiàng项
mù目
lǐ里
jǔ举
zú足
qīng轻
zhòng重
，
bù不
néng能
chū出
rèn任
hé何
chā差
cuò错
。
This key technology is crucial in the project; no mistakes can be allowed.