strike a balance
/straɪk ə ˈbæləns/
Meaning
To find a compromise or a satisfactory middle ground between two opposing or conflicting ideas, priorities, or demands. In business, it is frequently used when discussing work-life balance, cost versus quality, or risk versus reward. The tone is neutral, analytical, and professional.
Examples
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We need to strike a balance between reducing costs and maintaining high product quality.
We need to strike a balance between reducing costs and maintaining high product quality.
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It's difficult to strike a balance between strict security protocols and user convenience.
It's difficult to strike a balance between strict security protocols and user convenience.
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The new policy attempts to strike a balance between remote flexibility and in-office collaboration.
The new policy attempts to strike a balance between remote flexibility and in-office collaboration.
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As a manager, you must strike a balance between guiding your team and micro-managing them.
As a manager, you must strike a balance between guiding your team and micro-managing them.
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The design team successfully managed to strike a balance between modern aesthetics and functionality.
The design team successfully managed to strike a balance between modern aesthetics and functionality.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We must make a balance between budget and quality.
✓ We must strike a balance between budget and quality.
The standard collocation is 'strike a balance,' not 'make a balance' or 'do a balance.'
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✗ It is important to strike the balance with work and life.
✓ It is important to strike a balance between work and life.
Use the indefinite article 'a balance' and the preposition 'between' when comparing two opposing things.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Our marketing strategy needs to ___ between aggressive promotion and brand authenticity.
💡 find a compromise
Show answer
strike a balance
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It's hard to ___ between keeping clients happy and protecting your team's boundaries.
💡 find a middle ground
Show answer
strike a balance