take the plunge

idiomatic phrase

informal

: to do or undertake something especially after a period of hesitation or uncertainty

Up to now, I've avoided growing roses … . But last winter the ripe catalogue shots of roses took hold in my imagination, and I decided to take the plunge.

—Michael Pollan

As with any new OS upgrade, it is prudent to wait awhile before taking the plunge, to make sure others have had a chance to find all the bugs.

—Peter H. Lewis

If you've considered buying an e-reader but haven't yet taken the plunge, there's no longer a need to wait.

—Joshua J. Romero

Examples of take the plunge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, Fox is taking the plunge into direct-to-consumer streaming. —Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, don't let this amazing deal slip by; take the plunge and upgrade your home network today! —Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 27 Feb. 2025

In late July, Bishop took the plunge, and traveled to Honduras. —David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025

As the business world continues to explore AI and other transformative technology, fortune will favor the bold, and those businesses willing to take the plunge will attract both clients and top industry talent. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take the plunge

• expunge
• lunge
• sponge
• muskellunge