The idiom "put a thumb on the scale" means to unfairly influence a situation or outcome in one's own favor. The phrase comes from the practice of cheating in weighing scales by placing a thumb on the scale to make the weight appear heavier or lighter than it actually is.
For example, if a student puts a thumb on the scale by cheating during an exam, they are unfairly influencing the outcome in their favor. Similarly, if a salesperson puts a thumb on the scale by lying about the quality of a product to make a sale, they are unfairly influencing the situation in their favor.
This idiom is often used to describe situations where someone is manipulating a situation to gain an unfair advantage. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, and is commonly used in business, politics, and sports.
So, in short, "put a thumb on the scale" means to cheat or manipulate a situation to gain an unfair advantage.
• The politician was accused of putting a thumb on the scale during the election.
• I didn't put a thumb on the scale while weighing the fruit at the market.
• The coach put a thumb on the scale by favoring certain players during the game.
• The judge was caught putting a thumb on the scale by accepting bribes in exchange for favorable decisions.
• The CEO of the company was found guilty of putting a thumb on the scale by manipulating financial records to inflate profits.
• It's important for journalists to report the truth without putting a thumb on the scale to sway public opinion.