try it on the dog

Verb CEFR C2

Definitions

To try something (especially a theatrical play) on a less important audience to gauge the likelihood of success before committing to general release or approval.

Examples

“They had feared to make ⟳ the venture with it at the California theatre in San Francisco where they had been favorites, so they brought it to Salt Lake to "try ⟳ it on the dog."”

CEFR level

C2

Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.

See all C2 English words →

See also

try it out on the dog try on try on for size try one's hand try one's luck try one's wings

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