test water pressure; trial run; test the waters
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesverb
to test water pressure or flow; to conduct trial operation with water
technicalTechnical term used in engineering, construction, and plumbing contexts before official commissioning of hydraulic systems.
After the new pipes are installed, they need to be tested with water first to check for leaks.
This reservoir is currently in the water testing phase before officially supplying water next month.
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The technician said the toilet is installed and now they are testing the water to see if the drainage is smooth.
verb
to test the waters; to make a tentative attempt; to probe cautiously
Figurative usage describing cautious initial attempts in business, politics, or new ventures before full commitment.
Some manufacturers are cautiously testing the waters with small batch production of new products.
This company first tested the waters in foreign markets before entering the domestic market.
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Regarding this new policy, the government chose to test the waters first in small cities.
Many internet companies will first test the waters with a freemium model before charging fees across the board.