Definitions
Assess a situation or circumstance before fully committing or taking action
Before making a decision or taking action, it is wise to test the waters and see how things will play out first.Experiment or try something out to see if it will work
Before launching a new product or service, companies often test the waters to gauge customer interest and potential success.Dip a toe in
To take a small step or action towards something without fully committing to it, similar to testing the water temperature before jumping in.
Examples of Test the waters
Before launching a new product, we decided to test the waters by conducting a small-scale market research survey.
This idiom means to try something out on a small scale before committing to it fully. It comes from the idea of testing the depth of water in a new body of water to see if it's safe to swim or fish in it. By testing the waters, we can gauge the potential success of our product and make informed decisions about whether to proceed with a full launch.
Conclusion
The idiom "test the waters" is often used in a cautionary sense, advising against jumping into a situation or decision without first assessing it. It can also be used to describe a small and tentative approach towards something, rather than diving in headfirst. Essentially, it means to take a careful and calculated approach before fully committing to something.Origin of "Test the waters"
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the literal act of testing the temperature of water before swimming or bathing. The phrase was first recorded in 1782 by English writer Fanny Burney in her novel "Cecilia," in which a character advises another to "try the experiment, and test the waters by one forlorn essay." Over time, the phrase evolved to take on a figurative meaning, as it is used today.
The idiom may also have roots in the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle's belief in moderation and avoiding rash decisions. In his work "Nicomachean Ethics," he writes, "The man who is angry at the right things and with the right people, and further, as he ought, when he ought, and as long as he ought, is praised... but he who exceeds in his anger is censured, since he errs willingly; for the man who falls short in feeling anger is a coward, but he who exceeds is thought to be foolish and intemperate." This idea of testing the waters before making a decision aligns with Aristotle's belief in finding the right balance.
Overall, the idiom "test the waters" has been used for centuries and has its origins in both literal and philosophical meanings. It continues to be a popular phrase in modern English, reminding us to approach decisions with caution and thoughtfulness.