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

The couple is currently waiting to find out the cost of shipping their possessions back to San Francisco before taking the plunge. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024

Have the ultimate refreshing experience by taking the plunge with an ice bath in Arosa. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2024

Eventually, Genevieve — who seemed oddly concerned about getting wet — finally took the plunge and found the advantage hanging on a mysterious buoy. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 24 Oct. 2024

Take action: Perform a readiness check before taking the plunge. —Guadalupe Hayes-Mota, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above