idiom
Test the waters
TEST thuh WAW-terz
/tɛst ðə ˈwɔːtərz/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
testthewaters
Dictionary meaning
To cautiously explore a situation or gauge reactions before committing fully to a plan or course of action.
Examples
- She tested the waters with a small pilot programme before rolling it out nationally.
- The politician tested the waters with a few media interviews before announcing his candidacy.
Synonyms: feel out, sound out, probe
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