The idiom "trial balloon" refers to a tentative idea or proposal that is put forward to test the reaction of others before it is officially announced or implemented. It is like a test run to see how people might react to an idea before it is fully launched.
For example, a politician might float a trial balloon by suggesting a new policy idea to a small group of supporters or journalists to gauge their reaction before announcing it publicly. This allows them to assess the potential impact of the idea and make any necessary adjustments before it is officially put forward.
The term "trial balloon" comes from the idea of releasing a balloon into the air to see which way the wind is blowing. In the same way, a trial balloon is used to test the waters and see which way public opinion is leaning.
Overall, the idiom "trial balloon" is used to describe a preliminary idea or proposal that is put forward to test the waters before it is officially announced or implemented.
• The company floated a trial balloon to see if customers would be interested in a subscription service.
• The politician's trial balloon about increasing funding for healthcare was met with mixed reactions from the public.
• I heard that the boss floated a trial balloon about giving us all an extra day off next week.
• The government has been testing a trial balloon about introducing a new tax on sugary drinks.
• The CEO decided to float a trial balloon to gauge employee interest in implementing a four-day workweek.
• The trial balloon that was floated by the marketing department to test a new advertising campaign was successful, and they are moving forward with it.