B2idiomnatureIELTS-friendly
test the waters
USUK
to try something in a small way to see how people react first
British English also says 'test the water' (singular). Both are correct.
In context
Before opening a café, she tested the waters by selling coffee at weekend markets.
I mentioned working from home to test the waters before asking my boss properly.
More idioms about nature
- a big fish in a small pondan important person, but only in a small group or place
- a bird's-eye viewa view of something from high above
- a breath of fresh airsomeone or something new and different that makes a situation more pleasant
- a dark horsea person with hidden talents, or a competitor nobody expected to do well
- a drop in the oceana very small amount compared with what is needed