Grammar fix
a delicate balance
fragile equilibrium (between competing factors or needs)
A situation where different needs, interests, or factors must be managed very carefully because a small change could easily upset the situation.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
There's a delicate balance between encouraging independence in children and giving them enough support.
In my opinion, maintaining a delicate balance between economic growth and environmental protection is one of the biggest challenges facing modern societies.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: We have to keep a delicate balance of the two.
Say: We have to strike a delicate balance between the two.
You 'strike/maintain a delicate balance BETWEEN' things.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'A delicate balance' is the natural collocation; 'a fragile state of equilibrium' is over-engineered.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
strike a delicate balance between
- strike
- maintain
- between
- upset