plunge

plunge something into someone or something and plunge something in

to drive or stab something into someone or something. The murderer plunged the knife into his victim. She plunged in the dagger.

plunge down something

to run or fall down something. The car plunged down the hill and ran into a tree at the bottom. The bicyclist plunged down the side of the hill at a great speed.

plunge from something

to fall or flee from something or some place. The eagle plunged from the sky to the lake to capture its prey. Lily plunged from the room in embarrassment.

plunge in(to something)

to dive or rush into something; to immerse oneself in something. Ned took off his shoes and plunged into the river, hoping to rescue Frank. He plunged into his work and lost track of time.

plunge to something 

1. to fall or drop down to something. The temperature plunged to zero last night. The burning car plunged to the floor of the canyon.

2. to dive or fall to one's death. She walked straight to the edge of the cliff and plunged to her death. The burro slipped and plunged to an untimely end.

take the plunge

to marry someone. I'm not ready to take the plunge yet. Sam and Mary took the plunge.

See also: take

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take the plunge

to do something important or difficult that you have been thinking about doing for a long time I've decided to take the plunge and start up my own business.

See also: take

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take the plunge

to decide to do something Those women who took the plunge and ran for the state legislature enjoyed great success.

Usage notes: usually said about doing something that involves some risk

See also: take