trial balloon
US /ˈtraɪəl bəˈluːn/
UK /ˈtraɪəl bəˈluːn/
1.
ballon d'essai
something said or done in order to find out what people's reactions or opinions are
:
•
The politician floated a trial balloon about tax reform to gauge public opinion.
Le politicien a lancé un ballon d'essai sur la réforme fiscale pour sonder l'opinion publique.
•
The article served as a trial balloon for the company's new policy.
L'article a servi de ballon d'essai pour la nouvelle politique de l'entreprise.