Phrase guide

test the waters

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To explore or probe, as before making a commitment.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

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

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: dip one's toe in the water, put one's toe in the water, put out feelers

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Arabic: جَسَّ النَّبْضَ (jassa n-nabḍa) — explore or probe
  • Chinese Mandarin: 試水溫 /试水温 — explore or probe
  • Finnish: tunnustella maaperää — explore or probe
  • French: tâter le terrain — explore or probe
  • French: prendre la température — explore or probe
  • Georgian: ნიადაგის მოსინჯვა (niadagis mosinǯva) — explore or probe
  • Italian: tastare il terreno — explore or probe
  • Italian: sondare — explore or probe
  • Polish: badać grunt — explore or probe
  • Polish: wybadać grunt — explore or probe
  • Russian: прощу́пывать по́чву (proščúpyvatʹ póčvu) — explore or probe
  • Russian: прощу́пать по́чву (proščúpatʹ póčvu) — explore or probe
  • Spanish: tantear el terreno — explore or probe
  • Spanish: catar el melón — explore or probe
  • Swedish: sondera terrängen — explore or probe