Balk

To balk means to hesitate or be unwilling to proceed or do something, often due to reluctance, opposition, or a perceived difficulty. It can also refer to an abrupt stop or refusal to continue, as in a horse balking at a jump. The word implies a sense of resistance, sometimes born of fear, uncertainty, or simply a strong desire to avoid something. Additionally, in baseball, 'balk' has a specific meaning: an illegal action by the pitcher that gives runners on base an automatic advance. The core concept of balking remains a form of unexpected obstruction or unwillingness to cooperate. It can manifest in both physical and metaphorical contexts, spanning from a simple refusal to a more complex act of defiance. When someone balks, they create an obstacle, whether intentional or unintentional, to a planned course of action.

Balk meaning with examples

• Despite the enticing salary, Sarah balked at the offer of the new job due to the long commute. Her hesitation stemmed from concerns about work-life balance, making the arduous journey a major deterrent. The company’s promises didn't fully sway her. She felt the time cost was too great, and ultimately decided the benefits were not worth her daily travel time. In short, the commute caused her to 'balk' at accepting the new role.
• The horse, seemingly spooked by the brightly colored bunting, balked at the final hurdle in the show-jumping competition. The crowd gasped as the animal refused to take the jump, displaying sheer reluctance. The rider desperately tried to reassure the panicked animal but it dug its heels in and refused. This instance demonstrated the horse's unexpected and sudden balking during competition and caused it to lose its chances.
• The detective, facing intense pressure from his superiors, balked at the unethical methods they suggested to interrogate the suspect. He felt a moral objection, believing the approaches were unfair and violated the suspect's rights. The detective drew a line in the sand, stating his refusal to participate in any such actions, balking at the injustice of the situation. This principled stance further demonstrated his values.
• The project team, initially enthusiastic about the new software, quickly balked when they realized the training would take weeks and learning the application would disrupt their current project schedule. The complexity of the change, not the lack of support, was the major cause. Their hesitation stemmed from their perceived disruption, so they resisted the new tool and the implementation process. This sudden refusal came from a failure to properly assess the impact of the new tech.
• During the negotiation, the union leader balked at the company's final offer, demanding a higher pay increase. The negotiation ground to a halt. He voiced his disapproval due to the perceived inequality. His refusal to agree to the terms, even after compromise, demonstrated his unwillingness to budge, showing his willingness to fight for a better wage for the workers involved and their needs in the collective bargaining.