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

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

To test Washington’s appetite for joining a new diplomatic initiative, Moon’s political allies are floating a trial balloon.

From Washington Post • Aug. 5, 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)