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

Celebrities who previously wouldn’t have considered cutting their long hair have now taken the plunge, including Nicole Kidman and Pamela Anderson, both of whom debuted unique renditions of the look at the 2025 Met Gala. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 July 2025

If there was ever a time to shop, now's the perfect opportunity to take the plunge while these rare deals have reached up to 46% off. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025

Hours before finally taking the plunge, Richie Grainge filmed herself chatting with her husband, Elliot Grainge, about the change. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 23 June 2025

Will the Blue Jays take the plunge to address their most glaring need in what is shaping up to be a special season? —Levi Weaver, New York Times, 28 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take the plunge

• expunge
• lunge
• sponge
• muskellunge