How to Pronounce "test the waters"
expression
ˈtɛst/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈwɔtɝz
TEST thuh WAW-terz
tˈɛst/ /ðə, ði/ /wˈɔːtəz
TEST thuh WAW-tuhz
Definition
To try something in a small or careful way to see what will happen or to see if it is a good idea before becoming more involved.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈtɛst/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈwɔtɝz
British English
tˈɛst/ /ðə, ði/ /wˈɔːtəz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
TEST thuh WAW-terz
UK
TEST thuh WAW-tuhz
Listen in Context
I'm not sure if we should move, so let's test the waters first.
Before launching the new product, the company decided to test the waters.
She wanted to test the waters before starting her own business.
Let’s post a few photos and test the waters before announcing the whole project.