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

"At different phases of the day it can feel quite placid, you can feel out of the game with the ball and things can turn around," said Root.

From BBC

The following week, two senior Commerce Department officials visited Beijing and Shanghai, in part to feel out a possible trip by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo this year.

From Washington Post

And this one — though strewn with jokes that either don’t land or feel out place — certainly isn’t.

From Washington Post

But behind the scenes, Roscoe said, he commissioned calls with lawyers for both sides, trying to feel out their red lines.

From Washington Post

Although gorgeously performed, it feels out of place or tacked on.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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