test the waters
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.
Several cryptocurrency-related companies went public in 2025, and Kraken is another that could test the waters in the new year.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that monk parakeets meeting unfamiliar birds tend to "test the waters" before deciding whether a potential partner is safe to approach.
From Science Daily • Nov. 23, 2025
If he decides to test the waters in either capacity, he will surely have options.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 29, 2023
When she returned to the stage in London 2016, she didn’t test the waters, as some more cautious performers might after more than two decades away.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2023
“Relying on a friend to test the waters when you’re looking for a date? Amateurs.”
From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone
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