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

Going into the spring housing market, many hoped that the market would improve as people would finally list their homes and buyers would decide to take the plunge. —Laurel Wamsley, NPR, 23 June 2025

This 40% deal on the Eufy video doorbell may entice you to take the plunge. —& John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 27 May 2025

Inspired by Michael Jackson, the films Beat Street and Breakin', Scott had long taken an interest in pursuing a professional dance career before ultimately taking the plunge. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 18 June 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, 13 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take the plunge

• expunge
• lunge
• sponge
• muskellunge