Noun
(aeronautics, historical) A small balloon released into the sky to determine the direction and tendency of winds in the upper air before a manned ascent in a larger balloon; a ballon d'essai.
(idiomatic, figuratively) An idea, suggestion, or prospective action, product, etc., offered to an audience or group in order to test whether it generates acceptance or interest.
Synonyms: ballon d'essai, feeler
trial-balloon (plural trial-balloons)
Alternative form of trial balloon
trial-balloon
"Apple is using this case as a trial balloon in a new angle to crack down on jailbreaking," said Corellium CEO Amanda Gorton. Source: Internet
He does find the moves “concerning”—as a trial balloon for “similarly broad executive orders” for targets that may be “far less legitimate” or reasons that are “more self-serving.” Source: Internet
CEO Bob Chapek said the move would only be a “one-off” rather than a new strategy, but many fans wondered whether it would be a trial balloon for a similar approach on Marvel’s “Black Widow.” Source: Internet
PITTSFIELD — A trial balloon related to the Housatonic River cleanup quickly deflated, closing what would have been a new chapter in the long-running environmental dispute. Source: Internet
President Donald Trump’s delay-the-election trial balloon on Twitter last week was resoundingly denounced, and rightly so. Source: Internet
Veteran political analyst Ramon Casiple, however, said the term extension issue was only a trial balloon being floated by the administration, reflective of the shallow bench of the Liberal Party for the 2016 presidential race. Source: Internet