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

---

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 .

---

Example Sentences

His mother had found him playing with her jewelry box and trying on her earrings.

From Literature

As I tried on the jacket, which fit to perfection, she walked to the rack and pulled down a wool coat worn thin at the elbows.

From Literature

Some scientists even tried on a slice of land around the volcano.

From Literature

It’s been years since we’ve been around each other this much, and it feels awkward, like we’re trying on clothes that stopped fitting a long time ago.

From Literature

“This actress took her around, showed her L.A. and they went to the Max Factor store and tried on wigs.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• check out
• wear