determining factor
What tips scales
A determining factor is whatever element or condition decisively influences an outcome.
When multiple forces are at play, the determining factor is the one that tips the balance: Cost was the determining factor in our decision.
The phrase appears frequently in analysis of causes, elections, and choices where one consideration outweighs the rest.
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- crucialOf supreme importance
- pivotalVitally important, deciding
- keyLock-opening device
- final sayUltimate deciding authority
last word · catalyst · tipping point · linchpin · crux · variable · influence · outcome · weight · leverage · turning point · clincher · bottom line · driver · trigger · element · cornerstone · swing vote
determining factorside issue
Incidental matter
afterthought · footnote · background noise · red herring · distraction
determining factorwild card
Unpredictable factor in play
non-issue · moot point · contributing factor · open question
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