testing the waters
Gauging initial reactions
Testing the waters is cautiously exploring a situation before committing fully.
The image is of checking water temperature before plunging in.
Someone might test the waters by floating an idea to gauge reactions, or by taking preliminary steps before a major decision: She's testing the waters for a Senate run.
The phrase implies careful, low-risk assessment.
Measuring or estimating
- sounding outPronouncing letter by letter
- probingThoroughly investigating something
- samplingExtracting subset for study
- screeningEvaluative selection process
trial run · pilot · dry run · reconnaissance · fact-finding · preliminary · initial · feasibility
Uncertain and provisional
- uncertainNot firmly known
- hesitantSlow to act
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
- noncommittalNot expressing clear opinion
reserved · apprehensive · wary · circumspect · reluctant · guarded · measured · careful
Moderated consumer research session
- soft launchRestricted preliminary debut
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
- trial balloonPreliminary test of opinion
- market surveyResearch into consumer demand
proof of concept · minimum viable product · early adopters · pilot program · prelaunch · reception · rollout
gauging
Measuring or estimating
- sounding outPronouncing letter by letter
- probingThoroughly investigating something
- samplingExtracting subset for study
screening · trial run · pilot · dry run · reconnaissance · fact-finding · preliminary · initial · feasibility · vetting
tentative
Uncertain and provisional
noncommittal · reserved · apprehensive · wary · circumspect · reluctant · guarded · measured · careful · provisional
focus group
Moderated consumer research session
- soft launchRestricted preliminary debut
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
- trial balloonPreliminary test of opinion
market survey · proof of concept · minimum viable product · early adopters · pilot program · prelaunch · reception · rollout
- campaigningcandidate, campaign signs, canvassing, campaign manager, fundraising
testing the watersgoing all in
taking the plunge · going for broke · betting the farm · burning one's bridges · no holds barred
testing the watersthrowing caution to the wind
rushing in · flying blind · winging it · shooting from the hip · rolling the dice
test, tests, tested, tester, testers, testing, retest, retests, retested