try on

British  

verb

1. to put on (an article of clothing) to find out whether it fits or is suitable

2. informal to attempt to deceive or fool someone

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noun

1. informal an action or statement made to test out a person's gullibility, tolerance, etc

try on Idioms  

1. Test the fit or look of a garment by putting it on, as in Do you want to try on this dress? This expression is also put as try on for size , which is sometimes used figuratively, as in The teacher wanted to try the new method on for size before agreeing to use it . [Late 1600s]

2. Test the effectiveness or acceptability of something, as in The actors decided to try on the new play out of town . [Late 1800s] Also see try out .

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Example Sentences

I tried my clothes on to make sure they still fit right, then tried on a backup outfit before returning to the green sweater.

From Literature

I took a deep breath and tried on a smile, which might have been a mistake because it made her look even more nervous.

From Literature

Even me trying on a wedding dress yesterday made me laugh because I was like, “This is not happening for me anytime soon.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Honestly, he's beaten him in a phone booth. There aren't many players that can score that try on the planet, it's a great moment. He's building a highlights reel quickly."

From Barron's

Scotland's speed was proving too much for England's depleted defence and, after Russell went wide to Steyn on the right, play swept across field with unmarked back-row forward Ritchie scoring a try on the left.

From Barron's

Related Words

• check out
• wear