sound out

British  

verb

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

---

sound out Idioms  

1. 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

He's poured a metaphorical can of Australian beer over the novel by converting Tolstoy's prose into a lingo that wouldn't sound out of place in the popular Aussie sitcom Kath & Kim.

From BBC

When he has sensed vulnerability in the past, he's frequently used his political rallies and public appearances to sound out new ideas and gauge popular support.

From BBC

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.

From Barron's

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

From BBC

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.

From Barron's

Related Words

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