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

As active listings increased in Denver and statewide, home buyers willing to take the plunge have more options and purchasing power. —Sara B. Hansen, The Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2025

But if Senate Majority Leader John Thune (S.D.) and the GOP can convince Gov. Brian Kemp to take the plunge, Ossoff’s luck will probably have run out. —Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025

Though not all celebrities are ready to take the plunge. —Leah Dolan, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025

Common Barriers Despite the benefits, many entrepreneurs hesitate to take the plunge. —Federico Sendra, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take the plunge

• expunge
• lunge
• sponge
• muskellunge