Send up a trial balloon Meaning in English
expression
Definición
To test how people will react to an idea or proposal by mentioning it informally before making any official decision.
Uso & Matices
This is an idiomatic, mainly formal or business expression. Often used for testing public or group reaction to plans. Common collocation: 'send up a trial balloon about X.' Don't use for sending real objects; it's only about ideas and proposals.
Oraciones de Ejemplo
The manager decided to send up a trial balloon before changing the company rules.
basic
They sent up a trial balloon by asking a few friends about the new idea.
basic
It's smart to send up a trial balloon before making big changes.
basic
Let’s send up a trial balloon and see how our team reacts before announcing anything publicly.
natural
The politician sent up a trial balloon with a speech to test if voters liked the policy.
natural
Before starting the project, the team leader quietly sent up a trial balloon to avoid unnecessary conflict.
natural