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.

He floats trial balloons and if no one pushes back, he pushes forward.

From Salon

Often, politicians float trial balloons like this in the media to gauge public reaction.

From MarketWatch

We haven't heard anything further much about that since it was first floated — maybe it was a trial balloon that fizzled.

From Salon

These are the stories that resonate now, the innovations that feel fresh, the trial balloons for where the art form is headed.

From Los Angeles Times

Over and again his aides have chucked out trial balloons to an avid press corps – only to have each potential prime minister disavowed the following day.

From BBC