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

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

For those who have dreamt of living in Germany but are afraid to take the plunge, now's your chance. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 6 June 2025

But more and more women are taking the plunge and booking a ticket for one. —Claire Volkman, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take the plunge

• expunge
• lunge
• sponge
• muskellunge