feel out

1. 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

He exudes charm with every gaze, and there isn’t one single line of dialogue that feels out of place or implausible.

From Salon

Aside from virality, he also thinks features like “listener counts” feel out of place.

From Los Angeles Times

Luxury food becomes a bite-sized status signal in a world where traditional markers of adulthood feel out of reach.

From Salon

"The first episode I did feel out of place, being around these creators with thousands and millions of followers," he said.

From BBC

Ministers are considering how they could protect children from algorithms that "can make kids feel out of control", or drive compulsive behaviour.

From BBC

Related Words

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