float an idea

To suggest something in order to gauge interest in it or others' perception of it. Can you float the idea of closing the office early on Fridays in the summer, to see how management reacts? When everyone objected, I reassured them that I was just floating an idea and had not made any sort of decision on the matter. A: "I'm just floating an idea. Maybe Mom and Dad will agree to giving me a later curfew, you never know." B: "Please, there's no way they'll let you stay out till 11 PM."