take the plunge
phrase
informal
: to do or undertake something especially after a period of hesitation or uncertainty
Up to now, I've avoided growing roses. … But last winter the ripe catalogue shots of roses took hold in my imagination, and I decided to take the plunge.—
Michael Pollan
Michael PollanAs with any new OS upgrade, it is prudent to wait awhile before taking the plunge, to make sure others have had a chance to find all the bugs.—Peter H. Lewis
Peter H. LewisIf you've considered buying an e-reader but haven't yet taken the plunge, there's no longer a need to wait.—Joshua J. Romero
Joshua J. RomeroExamples of take the plunge in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But as the next heatwave rolls in and the city begins to cook again, the verdict could become clearer if many more of them finally decide to take the plunge.
—
Camille Knight,
CNN Money,
4 July 2026
Interested in taking the plunge and chopping off some length?
—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for take the plunge
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Camille Knight,
CNN Money,
4 July 2026
Interested in taking the plunge and chopping off some length?
—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for take the plunge
Cite this Entry
“Take the plunge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20plunge. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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