redress

Everyday

1. To put right an unfair or harmful state of things. tree →
2. To make two things balanced again, as by taking from one side and giving to the other. tree →

In the lessons

in stories, a wrong is put right or a balance is restored; «redress the balance» means make two sides equal again

Examples

• The judge will redress the wrong done to the family. tree →
• The teacher gave extra time to redress the unfair test. tree →
• Jupiter bade him redress the balance between people and beasts. tree →

Note

In maths «redress the balance» means make two groups equal again: find the difference and move half of it across. It does not change the total.

In Jewish tradition

It means to get justice or revenge for oneself.

Interpretation. Abigail thanks David for not taking revenge himself. Tradition reads this as showing that justice belongs to God.

Examples

• and blessed be thy discretion, and blessed be thou, that hast kept me this day from bloodguiltiness, and from finding redress for myself with mine own hand. (Prophets 1SA.25.33, JPS 1917) tree →
• that this shall be no stumbling-block unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood without cause, or that my lord hath found redress for himself. (Prophets 1SA.25.31, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

In maths «redress the balance» means make two groups equal again: find the difference and move half of it across. It does not change the total.