test the waters
Try before committing
To test the waters is to cautiously assess a situation before committing fully.
The metaphor suggests dipping a toe in before diving: She tested the waters with a few freelance projects before quitting her job.
You might test the waters for a new product, a relationship, or a controversial idea—gauging reaction before going further.
Thorough examination or tool
- scoutOne who reconnoiters
- surveySystematic data collection
- investigateSeek facts systematically
- gaugeStandard of measurement
assess · sound out · feel out · reconnoiter · research · inquire · query · canvass
One who steers aircraft
- trial runPreliminary test attempt
- dry runPractice session beforehand
- feasibility studyAssessment of project practicality
- proof of conceptDemonstration of feasibility
prototype · soft launch · experiment · scoping · pretest · screening · first step · early stage
Delay from uncertainty
- warinessCautious distrust
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- circumspectionCareful consideration of consequences
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
tentativeness · trepidation · apprehension · misgivings · skepticism · reserve · carefulness · vigilance
probe
Thorough examination or tool
- scoutOne who reconnoiters
- surveySystematic data collection
- investigateSeek facts systematically
gauge · assess · sound out · feel out · reconnoiter · research · inquire · query · canvass · sample
pilot
One who steers aircraft
- trial runPreliminary test attempt
- dry runPractice session beforehand
- feasibility studyAssessment of project practicality
proof of concept · prototype · soft launch · experiment · scoping · pretest · screening · first step · early stage · groundwork
hesitation
Delay from uncertainty
- warinessCautious distrust
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- circumspectionCareful consideration of consequences
discretion · tentativeness · trepidation · apprehension · misgivings · skepticism · reserve · carefulness · vigilance · deliberation
- cautioncareful, be careful, cautious, caution, watch out
- sea idiomsall at sea, smooth sailing, sink or swim, miss the boat, rock the boat
- feeling outsound out, probe, feel out, gauge, trial balloon
- fishing idiomshook line and sinker, the one that got away, fishing for compliments, fish or cut bait, bigger fish to fry
- try phrasesgive it a shot, take a stab, have a go, try your luck, give it a whirl
- Weather Idiomsunder the weather, when it rains it pours, come rain or shine, rain check, take a rain check
test the watersjump in with both feet
Commit wholeheartedly at once
go all in · take the plunge · throw oneself into · go for broke · bet the farm
test the watersthrow caution to the wind
Act recklessly, disregarding consequences
jump in with both feet · plunge in · go all in · rush in · take the plunge
test the watersdive in
Begin eagerly, headfirst
charge ahead · seize the moment · strike while the iron is hot · plunge in
test, water, underwater, saltwater, freshwater, rainwater, watertight, watercraft, waterfowl