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.

---

Example Sentences

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

Over the course of several meetings, including one at an upscale Austrian diner built into a 12th-century monastery, the men said they wanted to feel out the government’s thinking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

"The gym just feels like there's like-minded people there. I just don't feel out of place or anything like that," she says.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 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

Dad said he’d feel out of place, and never did come, but Mom visited almost immediately.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Related Words

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