How Do You Spell TOE IN THE WATER?

Pronunciation: [tˈə͡ʊ ɪnðə wˈɔːtə] (IPA)

The phrase "toe in the water" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /toʊ ɪn ðə ˈwɔtər/. The first sound, /toʊ/, represents a long "o" sound, followed by the short "i" sound represented by /ɪ/. The next sound is the voiced "th" sound, written as /ðə/. Finally, the word "water" is pronounced with the "aw" sound represented by /ˈwɔtər/. The spelling of this phrase in IPA accurately represents its pronunciation.

TOE IN THE WATER Meaning and Definition

  1. "Toe in the water" is a metaphorical expression that describes the act of cautiously testing or trying out something new or unfamiliar, especially to ascertain its feasibility, potential, or effectiveness before fully committing or making a decision. It typically refers to taking a small step or initial attempt to gain some preliminary experience or understanding of a situation.

    The phrase originates from the image of dipping one's toe into a body of water as a tentative way of gauging its temperature or depth. Just as placing one's toe in the water provides a sense of what the full experience might be like, "toe in the water" is used to convey the idea of taking a small, calculated risk to gain insight or familiarity with a concept, project, or endeavor.

    This expression is commonly used in various contexts, including business, finance, relationships, and personal endeavors. For example, a company may decide to test the market by offering a limited version of a product before fully launching it. In relationships, individuals might engage in casual dating or casual conversations to gauge the compatibility and interest before committing to a more serious relationship. The phrase is often associated with a cautious approach, indicating a desire to minimize risk or make an informed decision before fully diving into something new.

Common Misspellings for TOE IN THE WATER

  • roe in the water
  • foe in the water
  • goe in the water
  • yoe in the water
  • 6oe in the water
  • 5oe in the water
  • tie in the water
  • tke in the water
  • tle in the water
  • tpe in the water
  • t0e in the water
  • t9e in the water
  • tow in the water
  • tos in the water
  • tod in the water
  • tor in the water
  • to4 in the water
  • to3 in the water
  • toe un the water
  • toe jn the water

Idioms with the word TOE IN THE WATER

  • dip (one's) toe in the water The idiom "dip (one's) toe in the water" means to try something new or unfamiliar on a small scale, or to start exploring a new experience cautiously and gradually before fully committing to it. It refers to testing the waters before fully immersing oneself in a situation.
  • dip a toe in the water The idiom "dip a toe in the water" typically means to cautiously and gradually start or try something new or unfamiliar. It refers to testing the waters or taking a small initial step before fully committing or immersing oneself into an activity or situation. It often implies a sense of hesitation or caution before fully engaging.
  • dip your toe in the water The idiom "dip your toe in the water" means to cautiously or tentatively engage in or try out a new experience, idea, or situation before fully committing to it. It refers to testing or sampling something to gain a preliminary understanding or to assess the level of interest or comfort before fully immersing oneself.