take the plunge
Meaning
To make a bold decision and commit to doing something, especially after hesitation or uncertainty.
Origin
From the image of jumping or diving into water: once you “plunge,” you’re committed. The metaphor came to mean committing decisively to an action after hesitation.
Notes
Conveys courage and commitment after hesitation. Often positive or approving. Common in conversational and informal writing; used for big life choices or smaller commitments.
Examples
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After years of talking about it, she finally took the plunge and started her own bakery.
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I was nervous about moving abroad, but I took the plunge and accepted the job in Singapore.
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If you’re thinking of proposing, maybe it’s time to take the plunge.
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He took the plunge and signed up for the marathon, even though he’d never run that far before.
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We debated buying a house for months, then took the plunge when the perfect place came on the market.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “take the plunge” with the definite article. Verb inflects: take/takes/took/taken. Often followed by “and + verb” or “to + verb” (e.g., took the plunge and bought it).
Synonyms
- take the leap
- take a leap of faith
- go for it
- take the plunge and
- bite the bullet
Antonyms
- back out
- hesitate
- hold back
- play it safe