trial 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.

That trial balloon seems to have been shot down.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

We haven't heard anything further much about that since it was first floated — maybe it was a trial balloon that fizzled.

From Salon • May 12, 2025

MLB hasn’t given a timetable for when the system could reach the big leagues, but it’s clearly a trial balloon.

From Washington Post • Oct. 15, 2021

The announcement, therefore, was a trial balloon — a signal that cryptocurrencies are now as acceptable for donations as stocks, bonds, real estate and other investments.

From New York Times • Jul. 30, 2021

"I think we're being used as a trial balloon," Purdy said thoughtfully.

From The Flying Saucers are Real by Keyhoe, Donald E. (Donald Edward)