to stand like the three legs of a tripod; used to describe a situation where three parties or powers are equal in strength and balance each other out

A situation where three major powers or rivals are in direct competition or balance with one another; literally "the situation of the feet of a tripod".

A situation where power is divided equally among three rival parties; refers to a three-way standoff like the three legs of a tripod tripod.

A situation where three powers are evenly matched and coexist or struggle for control, like the three legs of a bronze tripod.