Balking

Balking refers to the act of hesitating or refusing to proceed with something, often due to a lack of confidence, fear, or reluctance. It can involve a physical impediment, such as a horse refusing to jump a hurdle, or a metaphorical one, like a person Balking at a difficult task. It implies a resistance to moving forward, whether that movement is physical, emotional, or in a course of action. Often, it's tied to a perceived risk or challenge, and the individual or entity might be displaying uncertainty or outright opposition to what is being proposed or demanded.

Balking meaning with examples

• The horse, after several successful jumps, suddenly began Balking at the final hurdle, seemingly tiring. The trainer noticed a change in his gait and recognized the horse's hesitation, prompting him to address the issue with positive reinforcement and rest. His unwillingness had delayed their training schedule, however, the trainer understood the animal's needs. They began to rebuild the horse's confidence slowly.
• Faced with criticism from senior management, the programmer started Balking at proposed new features in the project. The team was puzzled by the unexpected lack of compliance from the developer, unsure of the reasons for the developers sudden reluctance. His reluctance stalled the deployment and made it appear the software was not viable. They knew the project could not be saved if this continued.
• She had been excited for the skydiving trip, yet balked right before boarding the plane, her courage deserting her. The instructor reassured her, giving her alternative choices she appreciated. Her decision was to not to jump, which she eventually accepted to the disappointment of others. Her friends understood and did not pressure her, understanding the importance of her choice.
• The committee, after a long debate, began Balking at the president's revised budget proposal, as it had many potential issues. Their hesitancy was met with the realization that the budget was not ideal, however, they knew their response would have to be justified. Discussions became heated before finally creating an agreeable budget, ensuring the city's fiscal needs would be taken into consideration.