feel out

Idioms  

1. Try cautiously or indirectly to ascertain someone's viewpoint or the nature of something. For example, We'd better feel out the author before we commit him to a publicity tour. This term alludes to physical groping. [Late 1800s] Also see take the pulse of.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

feel out

The decision to have a child isn’t primarily a financial calculation, and a one-time payment doesn’t touch the conditions that make family formation feel out of reach.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026

You feel out of it and a little slow, but usually a good night’s sleep takes care of it.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 2026

“Giving away sourdough became this super chill, five-minute interaction where I could meet someone, hand them a loaf, and just feel out the vibe without committing to a whole date,” she said.

From Salon ● Feb. 12, 2026

Almost seven years on from what happened at Greenvale, and more than seven months on from the last court date, Mr Bradley and Mr Currie said the families feel out of the loop.

From BBC ● Nov. 17, 2025

She frowning cause she feel out a place, but smiling cause she don’t want nobody to know it.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Related Words

• affect
• disturb
• excite
• grab
• impress
• influence
• inspire
• mark
• move
• stir
• strike
• stroke
• upset