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

Fewer than 50 people took the plunge that inaugural day, according to Susan Pinder, president of the park’s Citizen Support Organization, which helped organize DeLeon Dunk 2026 along with the Friends of DeLeon Springs State Park. —Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2026

This year, close to 400 people took the plunge to ring in the New Year. —Cbscolorado.com Staff, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025

Deep discounts at Staples during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales finally prompted her to take the plunge. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

Selling up your home and leaving friends and family behind for a new life overseas is a major move which requires serious research before taking the plunge. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take the plunge

• expunge
• lunge
• sponge
• muskellunge