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.

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

From Salon

These are the stories that resonate now, the innovations that feel fresh, the trial balloons for where the art form is headed.

From Los Angeles Times

Over and again his aides have chucked out trial balloons to an avid press corps – only to have each potential prime minister disavowed the following day.

From BBC

So in addition to courting delegates in early primary voting states, like Iowa for Republicans and South Carolina for Democrats, California tends to see a number of auditions and trial balloons by presidential hopefuls.

From Los Angeles Times

The nominations of Jefferson and Kugler came after a string of trial balloons floating other potential candidates who failed to gain traction.

From Reuters