take the plunge

idiomatic 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
As 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
If 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

Examples of take the plunge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kwame was hesitant to take the plunge for several reasons, the most prominent being his mother's refusal to attend the wedding. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2025 Razo hadn’t had a dog in a couple of years, due to travel demands with his work, but felt ready in September to take the plunge again. Graham Womack, Sacramento Bee, 1 Feb. 2025 In-pool demonstrations by experts will showcase cutting-edge products, and there is even a chance for members of the public to take the plunge. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2025 Juliette takes the plunge and gets lowered down into the murky water wearing special weighted boots and glass goggles. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for take the plunge 

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of take the plunge was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near 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 12 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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