Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

*Float* the phrase "delayed gratification" and your teen son may think you're talking about the name of a new band.

What does *float* here mean?

Thanks

[bud]

It means offer it up (say it) with the primary purpose of seeing what reaction you get, if any.

[missdaredevil]

[mittari]

float = offer it up, suggest, test the waters

here: say 'delayed gratification' and see how the teenager reacts, if he responds to the idea or has no clue what you're trying to suggest.
the concept of delayed gratification is: patience, which teens are said to lack.