test-the-waters
/ˌtɛst ðə ˈwɔː.təz/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
To try something in a small, careful way before doing it fully. You do this to see people's reaction or to check if an idea will work.
- Let's test the waters before changing the whole plan.
- She tested the waters with a small price increase.
- They tested the waters before launching in India.
Adinary Nuance
Test the waters means to try something cautiously before making a bigger move. It is close to probe, gauge, or try out, but it is more about a careful first step. Writers use it when they want to sound thoughtful and low-risk, not bold or final.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thử phản ứng
- Spanish
- sondear el terreno
- Chinese
- 试探
- Japanese
- 様子を見る
- Korean
- 반응을 떠보다
Etymology
This phrase comes from the idea of checking water before entering it. It has been used in English since the 1800s in a figurative sense.
Common phrases
test the waters withtest the waters beforejust testing the waters
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is test the waters formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in both speech and writing.
- What is the difference between test the waters and try out?
- Try out means to use or test something. Test the waters means to check reactions before acting fully.
- Can I use test the waters in business English?
- Yes. It is common for new products, prices, and ideas.
- Is test the waters used for people too?
- Yes. You can test the waters with an idea, offer, or plan.