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plunge

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plunge down something

to run or fall down something. The car plunged down the hill and ran into a tree at the bottom. The bicyclist plunged down the side of the hill at a great speed.

See also: down, plunge

plunge from something

to fall or flee from something or some place. The eagle plunged from the sky to the lake to capture its prey. Lily plunged from the room in embarrassment.

See also: plunge

plunge in(to something)

to dive or rush into something; to immerse oneself in something. Ned took off his shoes and plunged into the river, hoping to rescue Frank. He plunged into his work and lost track of time.

See also: plunge

plunge something into someone or something

 and plunge something in

to drive or stab something into someone or something. The murderer plunged the knife into his victim. She plunged in the dagger.

See also: plunge

plunge to something

 

1. to fall or drop down to something. The temperature plunged to zero last night. The burning car plunged to the floor of the canyon.

2. to dive or fall to one's death. She walked straight to the edge of the cliff and plunged to her death. The burro slipped and plunged to an untimely end.

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take the plunge

to marry someone. I'm not ready to take the plunge yet. Sam and Mary took the plunge.

See also: plunge, take

take the plunge

to decide to do something Those women who took the plunge and ran for the state legislature enjoyed great success.

Usage notes: usually said about doing something that involves some risk

See also: plunge, take

take the plunge

to do something important or difficult that you have been thinking about doing for a long time I've decided to take the plunge and start up my own business.

See also: plunge, take

take the plunge

Venture something, commit oneself, as in You've been living together for a year, so when are you going to take the plunge and get married? It is also put as make the plunge, plunge alluding to diving in a body of water. [Mid-1800s]

See also: plunge, take

plunge in

v.

1. To submerge something quickly into something else: The cook plunged the hot eggs in the cold water to stop them from cooking.

2. To jump or throw oneself into something: I walked up to the swimming pool and plunged in.

3. To fall into something: The child slipped and plunged in the well.

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plunge into

v.

1. To fall or dive into some place or thing: I jumped off the diving board and plunged into the warm water.

2. To thrust or throw something forcefully into some place or thing: I plunged the shovel into the soil.

3. To enter earnestly or wholeheartedly into some activity or situation: After the vacation, I plunged into my studies with renewed energy.

4. To send someone or something into some condition or situation: My gambling losses plunged me into debt.

5. To fall into some state or condition: After my divorce, I plunged into a deep depression.

See also: plunge

take the plunge

tv. to marry someone. I’m not ready to take the plunge yet.

See also: plunge, take

take the plunge

Informal

To begin an unfamiliar venture, especially after hesitating: After a three-year engagement, they're finally taking the plunge.

See also: plunge, take