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
The Era of No Rules came and went so quickly that Susan Collins couldn’t even make good on the bikini trial balloon.
From Slate ● Sep. 30, 2023
Mr. Khan’s petition amounts to a trial balloon, to see whether the court will agree that charges can be confirmed even if someone is not in custody.
From New York Times ● Mar. 17, 2023
"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)
