Feel out.
gauge someone's feelings.
Feel out" means to try to understand how someone thinks or feels about a particular issue, often by asking indirect questions. The phrase is commonly used in situations where you need to be cautious or sensitive.
Example Sentences
Just feel out the crowd before you tell that joke.
Observe the crowd before you tell that joke.
She’s good at feeling out whether a deal is going to work or not.
She’s good at determining whether a deal is going to work.
Feel out the situation and let me know if you think we should proceed with the partnership.
Evaluate the situation and let me know if you think we should proceed with the partnership.
