What does “Trial Balloon” mean?
"Trial Balloon" means a test or idea that is put forward to gauge public opinion or reaction before making a final decision.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The government floated a trial balloon to see how the public would react to the proposed policy.
Example
The company released a trial balloon to test the market's response to their new product.
Example
The politician's statement was just a trial balloon to gauge public opinion before making a formal announcement
Is “Trial Balloon” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Trial Balloon” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Trial Balloon” effectively in context?
You can use "Trial Balloon" to describe a test or idea that is put forward to gauge public opinion or reaction before making a final decision. For example, if a company wants to introduce a new product, they might release a trial balloon to see how the market responds before investing in full production and marketing.
- 1Politics
The government floated a trial balloon to see how the public would react to the proposed policy.
- 2Business
The company released a trial balloon to test the market's response to their new product.
- 3Public Relations
The politician's statement was just a trial balloon to gauge public opinion before making a formal announcement.
Similar phrases to “Trial Balloon”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Trial Balloon” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Trial Balloon" is unknown.
Is “Trial Balloon” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Trial Balloon" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation, especially in the realms of politics, business, and public relations. It is often used to describe the act of testing an idea or proposal before committing to it fully.
What tone does “Trial Balloon” have?
"Trial Balloon" conveys a tone of experimentation and cautiousness. It suggests that the idea being tested is not yet finalized and may be subject to change based on the feedback received.
Can “Trial Balloon” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Trial Balloon" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that is commonly used in professional contexts such as meetings, presentations, and discussions. However, it can also be used in casual conversations to describe the act of testing an idea or proposal.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The company decided to float a trial balloon to gauge customer interest.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Let's release a trial balloon!' to suggest the idea of testing something before making a final decision.
