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

Last week, Lipa took the plunge in her latest YSL Beauty campaign. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026

This year's event will take place on March 1 at North Avenue Beach, with organizers expecting more than 5,000 people to take the plunge. —Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026

But for those who have taken the plunge, VettaFi’s Todd Rosenbluth says the asset class is instilling a sense of loyalty — despite bouts of volatility. —Jill Schneider, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026

Fewer than 50 people took the plunge that inaugural day, according to Susan Pinder, president of the park’s Citizen Support Organization, which helped organize DeLeon Dunk 2026 along with the Friends of DeLeon Springs State Park. —Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take the plunge

• expunge
• lunge
• sponge
• muskellunge