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.
But more and more women are taking the plunge and booking a ticket for one. Claire Volkman, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2025 What happened with the California rule should be thought of as something of a test case for what’s coming this summer as Republicans take the plunge on the reconciliation package that landed in the Senate’s lap this month after the House produced its version. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025 Book a cabana, take the plunge and enjoy a casual afternoon of fresh shellfish, complemented by a Provençal lunch of salad, grilled fish and rosé at the poolside restaurant with a remarkable view of the French Riviera. Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025 In 2024, Jessica, her husband, and two children took the plunge and moved to Florida. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 16 May 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 12 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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