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

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

Adding to the problems for Republicans is that the news seems to have pushed former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) closer to taking the plunge, potentially giving the minority party an A-level recruit and a real chance to flip the seat. —Al Weaver, The Hill, 19 July 2025

But some Parisians are still reluctant to take the plunge. —Kinsey Gidick, AFAR Media, 15 July 2025

Fully dressed in their wedding attire, Rachel Schneider, 30, and Tristan Price, 31, took the plunge just minutes before boarding a party bus. —Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 21 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take the plunge

• expunge
• lunge
• sponge
• muskellunge