le ballon d'essai
A noun phrase is a group of words that acts like a noun in a sentence or phrase (e.g., un je ne sais quoi).
noun phrase
a. pilot balloon
Le météorologue a lâché un ballon d'essai pour mesurer la vitesse du vent.The meteorologist released a pilot balloon to measure the wind speed.
2.
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
(figurative)
(test of public opinion)
a. trial balloon
Henriette a lancé un ballon d'essai avant de finaliser le projet.Henriette sent out a trial balloon before finalizing the project.
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