trial 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.

The nominations of Jefferson and Kugler came after a string of trial balloons floating other potential candidates who failed to gain traction.

From Reuters

"I think his completely made-up 'arrest on Tuesday' was a trial balloon to test his ability to summon a mob. If so, it's a test that failed."

From Salon

Mr. Khan’s petition amounts to a trial balloon, to see whether the court will agree that charges can be confirmed even if someone is not in custody.

From New York Times

Because the last thing we need is a pricey cavalcade of trial balloons.

From Washington Post

But they say the first round of bills will serve as trial balloons, which will help inform how future drag bills should be drafted.

From Washington Post