Page 18 - Conversation 3

(9) Dip your toe into

Introduction

Learn an expression about trying something new.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2024/ep-240715

Transcript

Feifei
Hello. Welcome to The English we speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English
speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Feifei, and I'm here with Phil.

Phil
Hello. How are you, Feifei?

Feifei
I'm actually feeling incredibly relaxed. I've just started doing a painting course. I haven't done it
before, and I wasn't sure if I'd like it. So, I'm just dipping my toe into it at the moment. But you
know what? It's actually quite relaxing.

Phil
Ah. Well, the expression that we're learning in this programme is 'dip your toe into' or 'dip a toe
into'. We'll look at what it means, and how to use it. Depending on who we're talking about, it
can be 'dipping my toe into', 'dipping your toe into' or 'dipping his, her, or their toe'. Feifei, you
said that you're dipping your toe into painting at the moment. But what does that mean here?

Feifei
Well, dipping your toe into something here means to start something slowly and gradually. Think
about going to the beach, especially in England, when it's not that warm. If you want to go for a
swim, but you're worried about the temperature, you might start by dipping your toe into the sea
to see how cold it is.

Phil
So, this expression means starting something gradually to see if we like it or not. And, actually,
we often use this with things like hobbies – like painting. So, you can say that you're dipping a
toe into painting to see if you like it or not.

Feifei
Yes, that's right. There are two things that are important to remember about this expression. One:
it means to start gradually, and two: you're starting gradually because you're unsure if you'd like
it or be successful at it.

Phil
OK. So, if I give you an example about me. Someone suggested to me that I try cycling to work.