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.
Nardin Diver Air Most people who wear dive watches will never strap on a tank and take the plunge—which is why many models have features that scuba enthusiasts have absolutely no use for, including a date window and a GMT function. Michael Solomon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 After a decade of treating the world’s most elite faces as a celebrity aesthetician and acne specialist in her exclusive New York studio, Pavitt took the plunge in 2023 and launched her own skin care brand, Sofie Pavitt Face. Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025 Tom Donovan of Lake Forest took the plunge on Saturday with family. Gina Grillo, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 Reality check: Many who take the plunge get help from parents. Sami Sparber, Axios, 8 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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