take the plunge

present singular third person takes the plunge · participle present taking the plunge · past took the plunge · participle past taken the plunge

1. idiomaticTo begin any major commitment.

   I decided to take the plunge as Series Editor by also taking the plunge as my first volume editor.

   2011, Jeffrey Runner, Experiments at the Interfaces, page ix

   2 more examples

   And as scientists studying the subject, we will have to conclude that she will take the plunge only if she suffers from overconfidence bias or is innately risk-loving.

   2009, Saras D. Sarasvathy, Effectuation: Elements of Entrepreneurial Expertise, page 196

   Patrick: Joel and Brinique just went public with matching bracelets. Allen Gregory DeLongpre: Oh, he, uh, he took the plunge? Ahh, I know what that's like.

   2011 Allen Gregory, "1 Night in Gottlieb" (season 1, episode 2)

2. idiomaticTo get engaged to be married.

   She's been seeing William now for about seven months and it looks as if they may take the plunge.

   2001, Ben Young, Samuel Adams, The One: A Realistic Guide to Choosing Your Soul Mate

   3 more examples

   It was easier for Morris to take the plunge – he had an independent income and was wealthy enough to build a house in the country for himself and his wife.

   2002, Judith Flanders, A Circle of Sisters

   I was pretty much going to be the last one among my peers to take the plunge. That meant I had previously heard their unique engagement stories.

   2007, Dr. David Gudgel, Brent Gudgel, Before You Get Engaged, page 203

   She shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I'm thinking who am I to tell my mother she shouldn't marry." “Especially since you're about to take the plunge yourself?” he asked lightly. She opened her mouth to tell him the truth, but the interest in his expression frightened her.

   2012, Stephanie Bond, Stop the Wedding!