Welcome to Idiom 100, where we learn 100 commonly used idioms by native English speakers.

All of the explanations are in English, so it might be challenging for you,

but just try to imagine the meanings in your head and study hard and soon you'll be able to use these idioms in your conversations.

Is everyone ready? Let's begin.

Hello everyone!

Today's idiom is: test the water.

Test the water.

Alright, so let's try to think about the meaning of this idiom.

So, let's picture you have a glass of water, okay, and you're not sure about the glass of water.

Maybe it's hot, maybe it's cold, maybe it's good or bad water, so we're going to test the water.

Maybe first you're going to, like, touch the water... Ah, it's a good temperature.

Maybe smell the water, maybe taste the water, you're going to test it before you drink it.

Okay, so test the water.

Let's listen to 2 examples and think about the meaning some more.

How was the English class you started?

It’s only been one day, so I’m still testing the water.

Alright, so she started English class, but she only had one day so far.

She's still testing the water. Is it okay? Do I like it?

Yeah, she hasn't decided if she'll stay with the class yet.

Alright, let's listen to another example.

Have you decided which club you're going to enter in?

No, not yet, but I registered for three. I just want to test the waters on all of them.

Alright, so what's this example mean?

He registered at 3 clubs and he's testing the water in all 3 before he decides which one to join.

Alright, so testing the water is used in a situation when you're deciding whether or not to do something.

You're not sure if it's right for you and you're testing it to see if it's good and then you'll decide and go through, stick to it.

Alright, so next time you're in a situation when you have to make a decision and you're not sure yet and you're trying it,

you can say that you're testing the water, alright?

So, let's try using it again soon and I'll see you next time.