Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
test-the-water
idiom
/tɛst ðə ˈwɔtər/
Definition
To try out a new situation or activity to see how it will go before fully committing.
Examples
- Before launching the new product, the company decided to test the waters with a focus group.
- She wanted to test the waters about moving to another city before making any decisions.
- He decided to test the waters by asking his friends what they thought of his idea.
Meaning
This phrase is often used to describe the act of gauging interest or attitude towards an idea, plan, or project before deciding to proceed.
Synonyms
- experiment
- probe
- try out
- explore
