pilot balloon

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was an experiment,—a mere pilot balloon to Destiny; and when he saw the direction adverse, he did not adventure on the grand ascent.

From The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II) by Lever, Charles James

I believe that our master's sortie against Belgium was a pilot balloon.

From Correspondence & Conversations of Alexis de Tocqueville with Nassau William Senior from 1834 to 1859, Volume 2 by Tocqueville, Alexis de

The pilot balloon, that is so soon out of sight, can offer no guidance—don't forget that!

From Luttrell Of Arran Complete by Lever, Charles James

If I have to perform much longer as a pilot balloon, Tom, I 'm thinking I 'm very likely to explode.

From The Dodd Family Abroad, Vol. I by Lever, Charles James

My O'D. will, however, serve as a pilot balloon, and if it go up freely we can follow in the same direction.

From Charles Lever, His Life in His Letters, Vol. II by Downey, Edmund