test the waters

== English == === Alternative forms === test the water === Pronunciation === === Verb === test the waters (third-person singular simple present tests the waters, present participle testing the waters, simple past and past participle tested the waters) (idiomatic) To explore or probe, as before making a commitment. ==== Synonyms ==== dip one's toe in the water put out feelers ==== Translations ==== === See also === raise the flag and see who salutes trial balloon