dip one's toes into
dip (one's) toe into (something)
To tentatively begin or get involved in a new experience. Likened to gently placing one's toe into water to test its temperature. I studied graphic design in college, but I've been dipping my toe into writing fiction lately. I've always wanted to travel the world, but I've never left the US. I'll dip my toe into it this summer, though, with a short trip to Toronto.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
dip one's toes into
Also, get one's toes into or wet . Begin to do something novel or unfamiliar, as in I have been dipping my toes into Asian cooking, or She's eager to go to Europe and has been getting her toes wet by getting travel information. [Late 1900s] Also see get one's feet wet.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.