if the future of sth/sb, or the result of sth is / hangs in the balance , it is uncertain :
The long-term future of the space programme hangs in the balance.
if the future of sth/sb, or the result of sth is / hangs in the balance , it is uncertain :
The long-term future of the space programme hangs in the balance.
Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary. Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне. 2005