dry run

dry run

A practice session or test designed to identify and correct possible problems. Let's do a couple dry runs of your speech so you feel totally comfortable with it for tomorrow's ceremony. The theater group did a dry run of the play to iron out any technical problems before opening night.
See also: dry, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

dry run

Fig. an attempt; a practice or rehearsal. We had better have a dry run for the official ceremony tomorrow. The children will need another dry run before their procession in the pageant.
See also: dry, run
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

dry run

A trial exercise or rehearsal, as in Regard this as a dry run for tonight's ceremony. This term, using dry in the sense of "unproductive," was at first employed mainly in the military for simulated bombings in which no bombs were dropped. [c. 1940]
See also: dry, run
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a dry run

or

a test run

A dry run or a test run is something that you do to practise before you do it at a more important time. We'll have a dry run at getting you in and out of the clothes quickly. More than 10,000 people were expected and council chiefs said it would be a dry run for the Olympic celebrations.
See also: dry, run
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

dry run

A rehearsal or trial exercise. The term originated during World War II, when it was used for a practice bombing flight in which no bombs were actually dropped. After the war it was extended to numerous civilian undertakings, such as “Most families regard the wedding rehearsal dinner as a dry run.”
See also: dry, run
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • a dry run
  • a dummy run
  • all correct
  • right side up
  • right-side up
  • trial and error
  • be honor-bound to (do something)
  • feel duty bound to (do something)
  • feel honor-bound to (do something)
  • be honor-bound
References in periodicals archive
"We might not get the numbers that we needed for this dry run. So we are just waiting for the decision of GM Jojo Garcia if we may still continue this until the afternoon or just cut off."
Only south provincial buses participate in MMDA's dry run of bus ban on EDSA
The dry run, which pushed through despite a preliminary injunction issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court last week, was envisioned by the MMDA as a means for gathering information about the policy's effectivity on easing traffic flow on Edsa.
Dry run of Edsa bus ban 'not successful'
MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia, however, said he believes provincial bus operators will be true to their pledge after they have committed their 100-percent participation in the dry run.
MMDA: Provincial bus ban dry run to push through today, August 7, but operators may or may not join
In a press conference in Makati City, MMDA general manager Jose Arturo 'Jojo' Garcia said it was not up to them to manage or stop the dry run of the bus ban as it was always voluntary.
Voluntary Edsa bus ban resumes Wednesday: MMDA
"The dry run is voluntary, so if bus operators will conduct it on August 7, we will be thankful for that.
MMDA: Provincial bus operators may or may not join Aug. 7 Bus Ban Dry Run on EDSA
yesterday, City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) head Dionisio Abude lifted the dry run that was supposed to end on Friday.
Rerouting causes monster traffic
He said the English words used by the unnamed leaders, like 'dry run, war room, candidate' have their equivalent in Malay.
Malay 'no oomph' compared to English? Rais Yatim asks Umno
Summary: New York [U.S.A.], September 10 (ANI): Saudi Arabian embassy in Washington may have funded a 'dry run' for the hijacking of the planes by two of Saudi employees used in the 9/11 attack, revealed the fresh evidence submitted in a major 9/11 lawsuit forwarded against the country.
Saudi Govt. allegedly funded 'dry run' for 9/11 attack, reveals fresh evidence
Luckily it was a dry run, thanks to their personal umbrella-carrier.
Brollywood perks, Kat?
According to officials, operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3 (NAIA 3) will have a dry run on July 23.
Terminal three dry run next week
"Coupled with this is the fact that we are classed as early adopters of the new legislation and will take part in the dry run of the scheme next year.
E-BUSINESS: Rapidmove takes house selling to next level
THE English FA insist they will not launch a dry run for the 2014 event ahead of their bid for the 2018 World Cup.
Soccer Shorts: CUP DENIAL
Brian Cashinella - a staff reporter with London newspaper The Times in 1972 - also claimed the military operation was a dry run for the reclamation of the no-go area of Free Derry which happened six months later with Operation Motorman.
Reporter tells inquiry paras killed marchers
It means the BBC cameras will make a speedier than expected reappearance at Epsom-where they last covered the Derby and Oaks in 1979-but also provides Malcolm Kemp, executive producer of racing, with the chance of a dry run before June, when the Derby's BBC TV audience is expected to exceed the 2.5 million viewers Channel 4 attracted last year.
`Dry run' for Derby as BBC covers Epsom; Wednesday's broadcast the first by channel for 22 years