THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Take the plunge
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To decide to do something important or challenging, often after hesitating or considering it for some time.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- After months of thinking about it, I decided to take the plunge and join the choir.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
After months of thinking about it, I decided to ________ and join the choir.
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Take the plunge — To decide to do something important or challenging, often after hesitating or considering it for some time.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Take the plunge” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To decide to do something important or challenging, often after hesitating or considering it for some time.
Compare: After months of thinking about it, I decided to take the plunge and join the choir.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this conversational expression when someone finally commits to a significant step. It often appears in stories about starting a course, joining an activity or making a change.
More examples in context
- She took the plunge and applied for the advanced workshop.
- We are ready to take the plunge and organise our first public exhibition.
Usage note
The past form is took the plunge. The expression marks a decision and action after consideration; it does not necessarily mean acting recklessly. A literal dive into water is a different use of plunge.
A short conversation
A: Have you joined the speaking club yet?
B: Yes. I finally took the plunge last week.
A: How did the first session go?
One more practice question
Which action best illustrates taking the plunge?
A. Finally joining a challenging activity after considering it for months.
B. Continuing to postpone a decision without taking any action.
Check your answer
A. The person commits to the step after a period of thought or hesitation.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.