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
Gladchuk, though unsurprised by the outcry, characterized the response as alarmist and wildly premature to what he describes as the equivalent of a trial balloon.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 1, 2022
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 Donald E. (Donald Edward) Keyhoe
