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Discover LudwigThe phrase "test the water" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to describe the process of gauging a situation cautiously before taking any kind of action. For example, "The politician wanted to test the water by launching a small-scale campaign before announcing his candidacy for the election."
Dictionary
test the water
verb
Alternative form of test the waters
Exact(60)
Well, let's test the water.
Some journalists working for the Observer decided to test the water.
"You have to test the water whether you make a deal or not.
After the well is drilled, the state will send someone to test the water for impurities.
Yesterday, Keys arrived in Sedgefield to test the water for his campaign.
Steam rose from the tub as he dipped in a hand to test the water.
Learn more via a 360° video, as Lamont Doherty scientists test the water.
How can we test the water and get into the cruise industry, which we don't have in China?
At first I told my two best friends – to test the water, really, to see if I could withstand rejection.
"Banks are worried about interpretations of these guidances, so they're still waiting for others to test the water".
"We took action to test the water so we knew how to best prepare to train and compete".
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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com