test ðə ˈwɔːtərz
Business
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Checking the temperature of water before entering
What does "test the waters" mean?
- To try something cautiously before fully committing
- To gauge reaction before taking action
Examples
- Let's test the waters before launching the full campaign.
- He's testing the waters for a presidential run.
- We're testing the waters with a small pilot project.
Origin
From testing water temperature before swimming. Extended to any cautious preliminary investigation.
How to use it
Common in business and politics. Implies caution and strategy.
Similar expressions
try out
gauge reaction
dip your toe in
explore
Opposites
dive in
commit fully
go all in
Related idioms
- on the same page
In agreement or having the same understanding
- cut to the chase
To get to the point without wasting time
- hit the ground running
To start a new job or activity with immediate effectiveness
- in the loop
Included in the flow of information
- the bottom line
The most important point or factor
- get up to speed
To become fully informed about a situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "test the waters" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.