ballon d'essai
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Germans would simply use the small offer, not as a ballon d'essai, but as a means of inaugurating direct negotiations.
From Time Magazine Archive
I would send out the thing as a ballon d'essai, to see if anyone would read it for itself, or would detect me underneath the disguise.
From Escape, and Other Essays by Benson, Arthur Christopher
It was not received with universal favour, and, to avert dissension, it was represented as a mere ballon d'essai and was abandoned.
From The Open Secret of Ireland by Kettle, T. M. (Thomas Michael)
That was a ballon d'essai, as they call it, and they think it was a very happy one.
From Royal Highness by Mann, Thomas
This is no doubt what is technically known as a ballon d'essai.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 150, May 10, 1916 by Seaman, Owen, Sir
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
