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What is the meaning of "testing the waters"?
(D. Shivakumar, Secunderabad)
When you "test the waters" what you are doing is finding out the opinions of people before you actually go ahead and do what you plan to do. This is a term that is normally used in politics and business. Here are few examples.
*I think we should test the waters before we open a hotel in this part of town.
*It was clear to everyone that in his speech the Prime Minister was testing the waters.
It is also possible to say "testing the water". People who go swimming usually test the water before they jump into it. They usually dip their toes or hands into the water to find out how cold or warm it is before they jump in. Americans tend to say "trial balloon" and "send out feelers".
*Bala sent up a trial balloon. It was a great success.
*Don't panic, Jyothi. It was just a trial balloon.
*The trial balloon was a super flop.
*Let's put out a few feelers and see what the members think.
S. Upendran
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