The colloquial idiom "toe in the water" means tentatively testing something out. There are several synonyms for this phrase, such as "dipping a toe into," "testing the waters of," "trying the first steps of," "putting a toe in the ocean of," and "starting gently with." All these synonyms connote a sense of caution and exploration. They suggest the act of cautiously gauging something before fully committing to it. Whether it's trying a new cuisine, exploring a new hobby, or considering a new relationship, it's always wise to test the waters first, and these synonyms for "toe in the water" offer several alternative ways to express this sentiment.