dip one's toe in

Verb

dip one's toe in (third-person singular simple present dips one's toe in, present participle dipping one's toe in, simple past and past participle dipped one's toe in)

1. (figuratively, idiomatic) To explore or begin; to enter or get involved in tentatively and for the first time.
   • Given how many other politicians, from Ed Miliband to Bill Clinton, have dipped their toes into the world of podcasting, it’s perhaps inevitable that Barack and Michelle Obama are entering the field too.2019 June 14, Gwilym Mumford, Hannah Verdier, Max Sanderson, Josh Toussaint-Strauss, “A gripping, intimate account of the moon landing – podcasts of the week”, in The Guardian
   • The Happy Gnome, on Selby Av. in St. Paul, became a place to dip one's toe in the burgeoning beer world. With a focus on domestic craft and quality import beers, this cozy bar was a welcome home to curious beer lovers.2019 December 17, Hannah Sayle, “Beloved St. Paul craft beer bar Happy Gnome is closing”, in Star Tribune, archived from the original on 19 Feb 2020