test the waters

phrase

variants or less commonly test the water
: to make a preliminary test or survey (as of reaction or interest) before embarking on a course of action

Examples of test the waters in a Sentence

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The workers must then disinfect the pipe with chlorine and test the water’s quality for safety. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026 The county will continue to test the water daily starting Monday if the levels come back the same or worse. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026 There is guidance already on the frequency of testing the water. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 15 July 2026 The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board will continue testing the waters in and around Lake Natoma to determine when levels are no longer elevated, in partnership with California State Parks. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for test the waters

Rhymes for test the waters

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test solution
test the waters
test-tube
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Cite this Entry

“Test the waters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test%20the%20waters. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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