Definition

Verb phrase: - To make indirect or preliminary inquiries to gauge interest, gather information, or test a potential idea before taking formal action. It involves discreetly seeking opinions or reactions.

Usage

This phrase describes a cautious, exploratory action. It is often used in business, politics, or social contexts when someone wants to assess a situation without making a firm commitment. The subject is the person or group initiating the discreet inquiries.

Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Before announcing his candidacy, the senator put out feelers to key donors.
  • The company is putting out feelers to see if there's a market for their new product concept.
  • She put out feelers among her network to find a new job opportunity.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a strategic or tactical approach to information gathering. The "feelers" metaphorically represent tentative probes, like an insect's antennae, sent out to sense the environment.
• It is frequently used in passive constructions to describe the state of being explored.
  • Feelers have been put out regarding a potential merger.

Variants and Related Words

• To test the waters: A closely related idiom with a very similar meaning of making preliminary investigations.
• To gauge interest: A more formal phrase for assessing the level of attention or desire for something.
• To probe: To investigate or explore, often more directly than "putting out feelers."

Synonyms

• Sound out: To try to discover someone's opinions or feelings discreetly.
• Explore: To inquire into or discuss a subject in detail.
• Circulate a rumor/trial balloon: To informally suggest an idea to see how people react.

Related Phrases

• Put out (in other contexts): This verb phrase has many meanings unrelated to this idiom, such as to extinguish (a fire), to inconvenience someone, or to publish/produce something.

Related Idioms

• Dip a toe in the water: To try something new in a very cautious and preliminary way.
• See how the land lies: To find out about a situation before taking action.

Verb

1. make some preliminary investigations or test the waters