# dip one's toe in

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dip-ones-toe-in
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To explore or begin; to enter or get involved in tentatively and for the first time.

## Examples

- I want to dip my toe in and try painting.
- Before committing to a full degree, she decided to dip her toe in by taking a single introductory course.
- He chose to dip his toe in the competitive world of finance by accepting a short internship, hoping to gauge whether he possessed the necessary temperament for the industry.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.