sound out

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to question (someone) in order to discover (opinions, facts, etc)

Idioms and Phrases

Seek the views or intentions of, as in We'd better sound out Mom about who's using the station wagon, or Let's sound out the staff before we decide which week we should close for vacation. This expression derives from sound meaning “to measure the depth of water by lowering a line or lead.” It was transferred to other kinds of inquiry in the late 1500s, but out was not added for several centuries.

Example Sentences

In the Netherlands, the winning party leader appoints a "scout" to sound out the various parties and work out who is prepared to talk to whom.

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Celtic might well make a call to sound out Postecoglou, but O'Neill will serve as a balm for the moment.

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Some Chicagoans are taking security measures into their own hands, establishing neighborhood patrols that sound out warnings when they see or suspect immigration enforcement operations.

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The 45-year-old has spoken recently of "unfinished business" in management and revealed he has started sounding out candidates for his backroom staff.

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"I hope you are all safe and sound out there."

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Related Words

• bark 
• clang 
• honk 
• hoot 
• resound 
• roar 
• scream 
• shout 
• shriek 
• toot 
• trumpet