feel out

Idioms and Phrases

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

“Although I would not necessarily say I was the runt of the litter, I would say that I did at times feel out of place growing up,” Connor says.

From Los Angeles Times

They also struggle, as trans and nonbinary people, with the issues of access to fertility centers and the need to use reproductive technologies that feel out of reach.

From Los Angeles Times

Fitness shouldn’t feel out of reach for people of color like me.

From Los Angeles Times

“It was very ‘War of the Worlds’ where no one knows what’s going on and everything feels out of sight to even catch your breath.”

From Los Angeles Times

Yet he often feels out of sorts during those moments of sexual intimacy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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