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
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
"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)
