trial balloon

/ˌtraɪ(ə)l bəˌlun/
IPA guide

Other forms: trial balloons

Definitions of trial balloon
  1. noun
    a test of public opinion
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    type of:
    test, trial, trial run, tryout
    trying something to find out about it
  2. noun
    a balloon sent up to test air currents
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    type of:
    balloon
    large tough nonrigid bag filled with gas or heated air
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