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

According to Sky News, which first reported Mr Zahawi's interest in the publications, the former chancellor has sounded out a number of financial backers for a potential bid.

From BBC

Privately, he’s been sounding out Boeing suppliers and airline customers on their frustrations to get a better sense of the magnitude of the cleanup facing the company’s next leader.

From Seattle Times

Then her device’s flat staccato sounds out the raunchy rhymes of Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back.”

From New York Times

The moment that mournful violins sound out their familiar melody, I bawl.

From Los Angeles Times

Identical twins sounded out “Bread and Jam for Frances” on the pink rug in the badger’s house.

From New York Times

Related Words

• check out
• delve into
• dig
• examine
• inquire
• interrogate
• penetrate
• poke
• scrutinize
• sift
• verify