feel out
[verb]
Synonyms: probe, sound (out)

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

feel somebody ↔ out phrasal verb American English informal (see also feel)
to find out what someone’s opinions or feelings are, without asking them directly:
I thought I’d feel out some of my colleagues before the meeting.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

feel out
feel (someone) out
to try to find out someone's opinions or thoughts without being obvious.
Why don't you feel them out to see if they'll invite me too?

I need time to feel out the boss before asking for more money.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

feel out
to talk or act carefully with someone in order to find out what he or she thinks
I will feel out my boss this weekend and see about my chance for a promotion.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

feel out
v. To talk or act carefully with someone and find what he thinks or can do.
The pupils felt out the principal about a party after the game.
John felt out his father about letting him have the car that evening.
At first the boxers felt each other out.
Compare: SOUND OUT.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

feel someone out
feel (someone) out
to try to find out someone's opinions or thoughts without being obvious.
Why don't you feel them out to see if they'll invite me too?

I need time to feel out the boss before asking for more money.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

feel out someone
to talk or act carefully with someone in order to find out what he or she thinks
I will feel out my boss this weekend and see about my chance for a promotion.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲