ballon d'essai

== English == === Etymology === Borrowed from French ballon d'essai. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˌbalɒ̃ dɛˈseɪ/ === Noun === ballon d'essai (plural ballons d'essai) A policy put forward to test reactions; something designed to test the waters, an experimental measure. [from 19th c.] == French == === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ba.lɔ̃ d‿e.sɛ/ === Noun === ballon d'essai m (plural ballons d'essai) ballon d'essai, trial balloon