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

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

"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

McLean said he would advise any young male ballet dancers who feel out of place to "stick it out".

From BBC

“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

“Or maybe I was just oversensitive. My therapist says I’m trying to control things because my life feels out of control.”

From Literature

Related Words

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