test the waters
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test the waters
verb tests the waters · testing the waters · tested the waters · test the water
-
To explore or probe, as before making a commitment.
Taking classes in a subject is a good way to test the waters and explore a potential career.
Similar: dip one's toe in the water, put one's toe in the water, put out feelers
Translations
Every language
verb explore or probe
| Español | tantear el terreno, catar el melón |
|---|---|
| 中文 | 試水溫 /试水温 |
| Français | tâter le terrain, prendre la température |
| Italiano | tastare il terreno, sondare |
| Русский | прощу́пывать по́чву proščúpyvatʹ póčvu, прощу́пать по́чву proščúpatʹ póčvu |
| العربية | جَسَّ النَّبْضَ jassa n-nabḍa |
Talk about this word "test the waters." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/test%20the%20waters. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026. test the waters. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/test%20the%20waters "test the waters." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/test%20the%20waters.Cite this
@misc{test_the_waters_2026,
title = {test the waters},
howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
year = {2026},
url = {https://micwyn.com/word/test%20the%20waters},
urldate = {2026-11-06}
}
