TESTED WATERS Meaning and
Definition
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"Tested waters" is a commonly used figurative expression that refers to a situation where someone tries or explores something new or unfamiliar to gain insight into its potential outcomes, risks, or benefits, before fully committing to it. This phrase is often used to describe the process of preliminary examination, experimentation, or assessment carried out to gather information or gauge the feasibility of a particular course of action.
The term "tested waters" metaphorically alludes to the act of checking the safety or viability of an endeavor, much like testing the temperature or quality of water before jumping in. It implies a cautious approach, where individuals proceed with a certain level of prudence or skepticism in order to reduce uncertainties and make informed decisions. This phrase indicates a desire to gain practical knowledge or experience before making a serious commitment, often in domains such as business, politics, or personal relationships.
Furthermore, testing the waters can involve conducting small-scale trials, pilot studies, market research, or preliminary discussions to get an initial understanding of the potential challenges, opportunities, or outcomes of a particular venture. It allows individuals to gather valuable insights, assess risks, make necessary adjustments, or even abandon their plans altogether if the results indicate unfavorable prospects. Therefore, "tested waters" essentially represents a strategic and cautious approach towards exploring novel ideas or courses of action in order to make well-informed decisions while minimizing potential risks and uncertainties.
Common Misspellings for TESTED WATERS
- rested waters
- fested waters
- gested waters
- yested waters
- 6ested waters
- 5ested waters
- twsted waters
- tssted waters
- tdsted waters
- trsted waters
- t4sted waters
- t3sted waters
- teated waters
- tezted waters
- texted waters
- tedted waters
- teeted waters
- tewted waters
- tesred waters
- tesfed waters
Etymology of TESTED WATERS
The phrase "tested waters" uses the term "tested" to mean something that has been examined or experimented with, and "waters" refers to bodies of water such as rivers, oceans, or lakes. However, the phrase "tested waters" does not have a specific etymology on its own. Each word in this phrase has its own origins.
- "Tested" comes from the Latin word "testari", which means to bear witness or affirm. It subsequently evolved to "testare" in Late Latin, then to Old French "tester" meaning to bear witness or attest. Finally, it entered Middle English as "testen" with the same meaning before developing into its modern usage.
- "Waters" derives from the Old English word "waeter" which referred to liquid in general.
