Meaning
To significantly alter the distribution of influence or control between parties.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, this phrase is frequently used in political talk shows (like those on Al-Mayadeen or Al-Jazeera) to discuss regional conflicts. It carries a heavy, serious tone. Egyptians might use the more colloquial 'شقلب كيان' (flipped the entity) in casual speech, but 'يقلب موازين القوى' is the standard for Al-Ahram editorials. In the Gulf, especially in business and oil-related news, this phrase is used to describe market shifts and new economic alliances. In North Africa, the phrase is used in both Arabic and often translated into French in bilingual discourse, showing its importance in diplomatic circles.
Use with 'لصالح'
Always specify who benefits by adding 'li-salih' (in favor of) after the phrase.
Don't over-use
This is a high-impact phrase. If you use it for small things, it loses its power.
Meaning
To significantly alter the distribution of influence or control between parties.
Use with 'لصالح'
Always specify who benefits by adding 'li-salih' (in favor of) after the phrase.
Don't over-use
This is a high-impact phrase. If you use it for small things, it loses its power.
News Anchor Style
If you want to sound like a professional news anchor, use this phrase with a serious, downward intonation at the end.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
إن هذا الاختراع الجديد سوف _______ موازين القوى في الصناعة.
The verb 'يقلب' (to flip) is the standard verb used in this idiom.
Which situation best fits the use of 'يقلب موازين القوى'?
أي موقف يناسب هذا التعبير؟
The idiom is used for significant, structural shifts in power or influence.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
أحمد: هل تعتقد أن فوز هذا الفريق كان صدفة؟ سارة: لا، المدرب الجديد استطاع أن _______ لصالحهم.
In a sports context, changing the outcome decisively is described by this idiom.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesإن هذا الاختراع الجديد سوف _______ موازين القوى في الصناعة.
The verb 'يقلب' (to flip) is the standard verb used in this idiom.
أي موقف يناسب هذا التعبير؟
The idiom is used for significant, structural shifts in power or influence.
أحمد: هل تعتقد أن فوز هذا الفريق كان صدفة؟ سارة: لا، المدرب الجديد استطاع أن _______ لصالحهم.
In a sports context, changing the outcome decisively is described by this idiom.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsRarely in casual chat, but very often in news, documentaries, and professional discussions.
Yes, 'قلبَ موازين القوى' is very common when discussing history.
You could use 'حافظ على موازين القوى' (maintained the balance of power).
Always use the plural 'Mawazin' for the idiom to sound natural.
Related Phrases
قلب الطاولة
similarTo turn the tables.
إعادة خلط الأوراق
similarTo reshuffle the cards.
غير مجرى التاريخ
builds onChanged the course of history.
كسر شوكة
contrastTo break someone's thorn (defeat them).
