Dip a toe in/into something
verb
To start doing something slowly and carefully because you are not sure whether it will work or not.
He's been dipping his toe into the real estate market.
Often appears as...
- dip a toe into the water
- dip a toe into the stock market
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To get a small experience or taste of something.
She dipped her toe into acting before deciding to pursue it as a career.
Often appears as...
- dip a toe into theatre
- dip a toe into painting
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To enter or start something gradually or cautiously.
I just want to dip my toe in the water before I jump in with both feet.
Often appears as...
- dip a toe in the dating scene
- dip a toe in academia
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To start doing something slowly and carefully because you are not sure whether it will work or not.
He's been dipping his toe into the real estate market.
Often appears as...
- dip a toe into the water
- dip a toe into the stock market
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To get a small experience or taste of something.
She dipped her toe into acting before deciding to pursue it as a career.
Often appears as...
- dip a toe into theatre
- dip a toe into painting
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To enter or start something gradually or cautiously.
I just want to dip my toe in the water before I jump in with both feet.
Often appears as...
- dip a toe in the dating scene
- dip a toe in academia
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Uncertainty Implication
Suggests you're unsure about the outcome or hesitant to commit fully.
After considering a career change, I'm dipping a toe into coding.
Pro Tip 2/3No Rush
Emphasizes a gradual approach rather than immediate immersion.
They decided to dip a toe in freelance work before quitting their day jobs.
Pro Tip 3/3Caution Over Enthusiasm
The phrase often signifies prudence over excitement when approaching something new.
Rather than investing a lot, they dipped a toe in the stock market first.
Pro Tip 1/3Uncertainty Implication
Suggests you're unsure about the outcome or hesitant to commit fully.
After considering a career change, I'm dipping a toe into coding.
Pro Tip 2/3No Rush
Emphasizes a gradual approach rather than immediate immersion.
They decided to dip a toe in freelance work before quitting their day jobs.
Pro Tip 3/3Caution Over Enthusiasm
The phrase often signifies prudence over excitement when approaching something new.
Rather than investing a lot, they dipped a toe in the stock market first.
Pro Tip 1/3Uncertainty Implication
Suggests you're unsure about the outcome or hesitant to commit fully.
After considering a career change, I'm dipping a toe into coding.
Pro Tip 2/3No Rush
Emphasizes a gradual approach rather than immediate immersion.
They decided to dip a toe in freelance work before quitting their day jobs.
Pro Tip 3/3Caution Over Enthusiasm
The phrase often signifies prudence over excitement when approaching something new.
Rather than investing a lot, they dipped a toe in the stock market first.
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