'Dip Your Toes' or 'Take the Plunge'?

'Dip Your Toes' or 'Take the Plunge¹'?

　　And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.

　　Today we talk about trying something new or something you are unsure about.

　　People can react differently to these kinds of situations. Some people may want to jump right in feet first. They may want to take the plunge!

　　And some people may want to test the waters. They may want to dip their toes in first.

　　Which kind of person are you? Well, imagine you are standing² on the edge of a lake or swimming pool. You want to get into the water, but you don't know the water's temperature.

　　Do you jump right in? If you do, you may be more bold and adventurous³.

　　Or do you want to dip a toe into the water before you decide? If so, you may be more cautious and careful.

　　If you dip your toes into something, you start doing it slowly and carefully. You are not sure if you will like it. You want to test the waters before beginning something, or before taking the plunge.

　　Testing the waters means you get a feel for something before committing to it. For example, if you want to move to a new city, you probably want to test the waters first by going there for a short stay.

　　Taking the plunge is the opposite of dipping your toes. When you take the plunge, you jump right into something. You do not wait or hesitate.

　　We use the expression dip your toes in for many situations. You may want to try an activity briefly⁴ to find out if you like it first. It can also mean you start something very carefully before becoming involved in something that you are not experienced at.

　　Now, let's hear some of these expressions used in a non-water related situation.

　　A: Hey, I'm going ballroom⁵ dancing this Saturday. Do you want to join me?

　　B: Ballroom dancing? I know nothing about ballroom dancing.

　　A: That's fine! This place I found is perfect for you. Before the dance starts, they give a free class to beginners.

　　B: Yeah, I don't know. Maybe I'll just go and watch. You know ... dip my toes in. I like to know what I'm getting into first.

　　A: Sure. But I promise you ... after the first 5 minutes you are going to want to jump in feet first!

　　That is all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.

　　If you are new to VOA Learning English, there's no need to dip your toes in first. Just take the plunge! Visit our website to find more stories.

　　Words in This Story

　　cautious – adj. careful about avoiding danger or risk

　　hesitate – v. to hold back in doubt or indecision

1 plunge   

v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲

参考例句：

• Test pool's water temperature before you plunge in.在你跳入之前你应该测试水温。
• That would plunge them in the broil of the two countries.那将会使他们陷入这两国的争斗之中。

2 standing   

n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的

参考例句：

• After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
• They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。

3 adventurous   

adj.爱冒险的；惊心动魄的，惊险的，刺激的　

参考例句：

• I was filled with envy at their adventurous lifestyle.我很羨慕他们敢于冒险的生活方式。
• He was predestined to lead an adventurous life.他注定要过冒险的生活。

4 briefly   

adv.简单地，简短地

参考例句：

• I want to touch briefly on another aspect of the problem.我想简单地谈一下这个问题的另一方面。
• He was kidnapped and briefly detained by a terrorist group.他被一个恐怖组织绑架并短暂拘禁。

5 ballroom   

n.舞厅

参考例句：

• The boss of the ballroom excused them the fee.舞厅老板给他们免费。
• I go ballroom dancing twice a week.我一个星期跳两次交际舞。