The phrase "tenuous balance" means a delicate or fragile state of equilibrium. It suggests that the balance is not stable or strong and could easily be disrupted or lost. Full definition
There's a murky, tenuous balance between reality and fiction... particularly when it involves a beautiful young woman, murder, a powerful politico, a missing fortune, and suicide. (rottentomatoes.com)
Nevertheless, everything we love about Twain is here, especially that tenuous balance between cynicism and a genuine wonder at how beautiful the world can be anyway. (bookpage.com)
These words are all about life and justice; their shared importance is part of that tenuous balancing between left and right» both sides of which Christ embraced, equally, upon the cross. (firstthings.com)