Definitions

take the plunge

VERB

break the ice

Synonyms

WEAK

be friendly and talkative break ground cut the first turf get one's feet wet lay the first stone lead off lead the way make a start oil the works open the way pave the way set at ease smooth the path socialize start start the ball rolling

VERB

cross the Rubicon

Synonyms

WEAK

bite the bullet choose one's fate jump in with both feet leap into the breach leave a crossroads make one's move pass the Rubicon prendre la balle au bond take for better or worse take the bull by the horns

VERB

start

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appear begin commence create establish found inaugurate initiate introduce issue launch leave open set up

STRONG

activate arise arouse depart embark engender incite instigate institute light originate pioneer rise rouse spring

WEAK

come into being enter upon get going get under way go ahead hit the road lay foundation make a beginning sally forth see light set in motion set out take first step turn on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease close conclude destroy end finish hold back keep ruin stop

STRONG

halt prevent stay

WEAK

complete die

VERB

undertake

Synonyms

STRONGEST

begin commence guarantee initiate launch offer shoulder tackle try

STRONG

agree bargain commit contract covenant devote embark endeavor hazard move pledge promise stake stipulate venture volunteer

WEAK

address oneself answer for commit oneself enter upon fall into go about go for go in for go into have a hand in have a try make a run at pitch in set about set in motion set out take on take upon oneself try out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease complete conclude deny end finish neglect refuse stop

STRONG

break disagree discourage stay

WEAK

abstain forego forget

VERB

volunteer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

come forward enlist sign up step forward suggest

STRONG

advance present proffer propose tender

WEAK

bring forward chip in do on one's own volition go in let oneself in for offer services put at one's disposal put forward speak up stand up submit oneself take bull by the horns take initiative take upon oneself

Antonyms

STRONG

take back

WEAK

compel force obligate

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.

"In the end, I just had to take the plunge and really open myself up a little more," she said.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Buy a picture frame from a reputable brand, and take the plunge on a video-streaming subscription or two.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

And while the team is exploring domestic manufacturing options, it has yet to take the plunge because it will likely be more expensive.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

There are other interested suitors—Sens. Thom Tillis and Chuck Grassley among them—who might take the plunge.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2025

The doctor encouraged his son to take the plunge.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

take the plunge

Example Sentences

Related Words