E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Balance.
He has a good balance at his bankers. His credit side shows a large balance in his favour.
1
Balance of power. The States of Europe being so balanced that no one nation shall have such a preponderance as to endanger the independence of another.
2
Balance of trade. The money-value difference between the exports and imports of a nation.
3
To balance an account. To add up the debit and credit sides, and subtract the less of the two from the greater. The remainder is called the balance.
4
To strike a balance. To calculate the exact difference, if any, between the debit and credit side of an account.
