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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No leading Democrat would dare take her on in a primary, and hardly anyone has even heard of the several no-name Republicans who are talking about taking the plunge. Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025 The jump from barbecue to fine dining may sound difficult, but one of New York’s best pitmasters is taking the plunge anyway. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Jan. 2025 Colder air moves in next week, with temperatures taking the plunge on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Daniel Amarante, ABC News, 11 Jan. 2025 Kwame was hesitant to take the plunge for several reasons, the most prominent being his mother's refusal to attend the wedding. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for take the plunge

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of take the plunge was in 1840

Cite this Entry

“Take the plunge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20plunge. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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