dip one's toe in

• dip one's toe into, dip one's toes in, dip one's toes into, dip a toe in, dip a toe into

dip one's toe in (third-person singular simple present dips one's toe in, present participle dipping one's toe in, simple past and past participle dipped one's toe in)

1. (idiomatic, figuratively) To explore or begin; to enter or get involved in tentatively and for the first time.
   • 2019 June 14, Gwilym Mumford, Hannah Verdier, Max Sanderson, Josh Toussaint-Strauss, “A gripping, intimate account of the moon landing – podcasts of the week”, in The Guardian‎:

     Given how many other politicians, from Ed Miliband to Bill Clinton, have dipped their toes into the world of podcasting, it’s perhaps inevitable that Barack and Michelle Obama are entering the field too.

   • 2019 December 17, Hannah Sayle, “Beloved St. Paul craft beer bar Happy Gnome is closing”, in Star Tribune‎:

     The Happy Gnome, on Selby Av. in St. Paul, became a place to dip one's toe in the burgeoning beer world. With a focus on domestic craft and quality import beers, this cozy bar was a welcome home to curious beer lovers.

• dip one's toe in the water