🇬🇧 en fr 🇫🇷

trial balloon noun

  /ˌtɹaɪəl bəˈlun/ , /ˌtɹaɪəl bəˈluːn/
  • (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.
 ballon d'essai
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