trial balloon

Signification (Anglais)

1. 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.
2. An idea, suggestion, or prospective action, product, etc., offered to an audience or group in order to test whether it generates acceptance or interest.

Concepts

ballon d’essai

ballon d'essai

Synonymes

proffer

Traductions

sondeig

Versuchsballon

Coupé comme

trial

Prononcé comme (IPA)

/ˌtɹaɪəl bəˈluːn/

Étymologie (Anglais)

Calque of French ballon d’essai (“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; (figuratively) prospective action to test acceptance”): ballon (“balloon”), essai (“trial, try; assay”).