pilot balloon

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.

I believe that our master's sortie against Belgium was a pilot balloon.

From Correspondence & Conversations of Alexis de Tocqueville with Nassau William Senior from 1834 to 1859, Volume 2 by Tocqueville, Alexis de

My O'D. will, however, serve as a pilot balloon, and if it go up freely we can follow in the same direction.

From Charles Lever, His Life in His Letters, Vol. II by Downey, Edmund

It was an experiment,—a mere pilot balloon to Destiny; and when he saw the direction adverse, he did not adventure on the grand ascent.

From The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II) by Lever, Charles James

If I have to perform much longer as a pilot balloon, Tom, I 'm thinking I 'm very likely to explode.

From The Dodd Family Abroad, Vol. I by Lever, Charles James

The pilot balloon, that is so soon out of sight, can offer no guidance—don't forget that!

From Luttrell Of Arran Complete by Lever, Charles James