test the water

test the water(s)

To informally or casually attempt to gauge the reaction of a potential audience or recipient of something, or to try to get an idea of what something will be like before actually doing it. Likened to feeling the temperature of water before getting in. I want to test the water before I make the proposal at the general meeting. Do you think you can float the idea to the boss and gauge his reaction? You better test the waters before you fully commit to that plan.
See also: test
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

test the water

or

test the waters

COMMON
1. If you test the water or test the waters, you try to find out people's opinions about an idea or plan before putting that idea or plan into practice. I was a bit sceptical and decided to test the water before committing the complete management team. It's hard to make a comment until we test the water at the party conference.
2. If you test the water or test the waters, you try something in order to see if you like it or it is suitable. This placement period in a company can provide an excellent opportunity to test the waters without long-term commitment. Test the water. Rent a motor caravan for a few days and see how you like it before buying one of your own.
See also: test, water
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

test the water

judge people's feelings or opinions before taking further action.
See also: test, water
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

test the ˈwater/ˈwaters

try to find out whether something is likely to succeed, by asking people for their opinions before you do something: Your idea might not be popular with people, so before you start marketing it you should test the waters.
See also: test, water
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

test the water (waters), to

To try something out. This expression, which alludes either to testing the purity of water in a well or to putting one’s hand or foot into water to test its temperature, dates from the late 1800s. Diana Ramsay used it in A Little Murder Music (1970), “‘If you’re attempting to establish a motive. . . .’—‘I’m just testing the water,’ Meredith said.”
See also: test, water
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • a whack at (something)
  • a crack at (someone or something)
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
  • all right
  • (you) wanna make something of it?
  • all for the best
  • a thing of the past
  • a slew of (something)
References in periodicals archive
The court on May 21, asked this committee to test the water.
Ensure pure water supply
PESHAWAR -- The Supreme Court directed the authorities concerned to test the water of Peshawar city in Punjab laboratory to ensure that whether it is fit for drinking or not.
Apex court orders to test Peshawar water from Punjab laboratory
Along with the Seu d'Urgell mayor, Andorra's Ministry of Health also confirmed that the dye was used to test the water for contamination.
Green River Alarms Small Spanish Town
nBefore a child gets into the bath, always test the water. Don't allow a child to touch bathtub faucets.
Protect Against Hot Water Burns
THE War Memorial Park water feature has closed again, just hours after reopening, so that officials can test the water for bacteria.
Trouble-hit splash area at city park shuts again
A Sunday Mirror team visited five of the worstaffected areas to test the water and revealed the threat of illnesses such as E.coli and salmonella.
Tests reveal water could cause illness
Susan, by email BIZ replies You could test the water by making up some pieces and having a party either at your home or that of a family member or friend.
Can I make gem idea sparkle?
"It makes it possible, affordable and manageable at the local level." Health workers can use the data or even go with a sick patient and easily test the water where they live.
Former NASA engineer designs app to chart water quality
I've never thought of myself as gay but I'm wondering if I am and if maybe I should test the water in gay bars or clubs.
Rugby tackle led to kissing a bloke
With supremo Bernie Ecclestone known to be keen on staging a GP in Russia, the exhibition will test the water.
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You'll never know the cause, or even if there are problems you can't detect, until you test the water and get inside and see it.
ETR Labs solves tough water problems
The idea was put to David Collier, the ECB chief executive last summer, and Lloyd and Kitson will test the water at a meeting of their clubs in Shrewsbury tomorrow.
Cricket: CLUBS PLAN BREAKAWAY
However, Cere-zo's statement could now tempt one of Europe's big clubs to test the water with a big money offer.
Football: EURO BALLS - Torres bids welcome
Beach said, "using these test strips gives consumers a chance to actually test the water and make [their own] decisions whether ...
CDC recommends consumers test recreational water
So two years ago, Anastasia began a science project to test the water. She wanted to find out if an increased human population has had a negative impact on the bay's water quality.
Water saver: could a population boom cause a decline in one bay's water quality? An environmentally concerned teen finds out