test the waters
US /tɛst ðə ˈwɔtərz/
UK /tɛst ðə ˈwɔtərz/
1.
to try something out cautiously before committing oneself to it
:
•
Before investing all his savings, he decided to test the waters with a small amount.
•
The company is testing the waters with a new product in a limited market.