Send up a trial balloon Meaning in English
expression
释义
To test how people will react to an idea or proposal by mentioning it informally before making any official decision.
用法与细微差别
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.
例句
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