Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
trial-balloon
noun
/ˈtraɪəl bəˈluːn/
Definition
A trial-balloon is a method of gauging public reaction to a proposed idea or plan by introducing it tentatively.
Examples
- The company released a trial-balloon to see if customers would be interested in a new product line.
- The politician’s speech served as a trial-balloon to measure public support for new policies.
Meaning
The term refers to an initial test or suggestion to see how people respond before making a final decision.
Synonyms
- test case
- pilot project
- preliminary proposal
