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.
Del Toro has taken the plunge into apparel. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025 After over 30 seconds of continuous monkey cannonballs, the rhesus macaques' water show appears to end, and all of the monkeys who took the plunge swim to land away from Kitchen. Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025 Ksubi Streetwear brand Ksubi is taking the plunge into swimwear. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025 If this bold shade of red has always felt like a gamble, let the spirit of autumn finally convince you to take the plunge. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 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 10 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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