test the waters

• test the water

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test the waters (third-person singular simple present tests the waters, present participle testing the waters, simple past and past participle tested the waters)

1. (idiomatic) To explore or probe, as before making a commitment.

   Taking classes in a subject is a good way to test the waters and explore a potential career.

• dip one's toe in the water
• put out feelers

• raise the flag and see who salutes
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