Historical clue formulations

• Slogged (through) — 2024-12-21
• Crossed a kiddie pool, perhaps — 2024-11-05
• Didn't go all in, say — 2023-08-05
• Didn't dive (into) — 2022-02-17
• Tested the waters, say — 2019-01-27
• Walked through water — 2018-09-17
• Got one's feet wet? — 2017-10-29
• Used hip boots, say — 2016-11-20
• Walked into the shallow end of a pool — 2014-05-20
• Got one's feet wet? — 2014-02-20
• Got one's feet wet? — 2013-04-17
• Had water up to one's ankles — 2005-12-15
• Walked from one bank to another — 2005-12-03
• Went in ankle-deep — 2003-12-30
• Got wet up to the ankles — 1996-12-03