How to Pronounce "trial balloon"
expression
ˈtɹaɪəɫ/, /ˈtɹaɪɫ/ /bəˈɫun
TRY-uhl buh-LOON
tɹˈaɪəl/ /bəlˈuːn
TRY-uhl buh-LOON
Definition
An idea or action presented to see how people will react before making a final decision. Often used in politics or business to test public or stakeholder opinion.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈtɹaɪəɫ/, /ˈtɹaɪɫ/ /bəˈɫun
British English
tɹˈaɪəl/ /bəlˈuːn
Simplified Pronunciation
US
TRY-uhl buh-LOON
UK
TRY-uhl buh-LOON
Listen in Context
The company released a trial balloon to see if people liked the new product idea.
The politician used a trial balloon about tax changes.
They sent out a trial balloon before making the official announcement.
Leaking the memo was just a trial balloon to test how the board would react.