试验田

试验田

Literally means:

experimental plot

Actually means:

experimental unit

It originally refers to a plot of field for agricultural experiment. It metaphorically means a unit or organization that tries out a new policy or method or a subject for experiment. The government or a governmental department usually chooses one or two departments or units for trial implementation before implementing and popularizing a new policy or method in order to explore its feasibility andeffect and to make modifications if necessary. It is derogatory when used in the sense of a subject for experiment.

原指农业上用来进行科学实验的田地。比喻试行新政策、新办法的地方或单位。也指试验的对象。政府或管理部门在正式实施新政策、新办法之前，通常要选定一两个地方或单位试行一段时间，以便探索、检验其可行性或效果，并进行适当的调整。用作试验对象时含有贬义。