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  What it means

  Literally “a trial balloon.” Means a tentative idea or proposal floated to test public or group reaction before committing to it — the same image as the English “trial balloon.”

  Vocabulary

  • balon — balloon
  • próbny — trial / test / experimental

  Grammar note

  'Próbny' is a masculine adjective agreeing with 'balon'. Typically used with 'puścić': 'puścić balon próbny' (to float a trial balloon).

  Cultural context

  The metaphor comes from meteorology — a small balloon sent up to test wind conditions before a larger one. Now used in politics, business, and everyday conversation.

  Intermediate

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