put out feelers (redirected from feeler)

put out (some) feelers (on someone or something)

to arrange to find out about something in an indirect manner. I put out some feelers on Betty to try and find out what is going on. I will put out feelers on what's going on with June.

See also: out, put

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put out feelers

to try to discover what people think about something that you might do

Usage notes: An insect's feelers are the two long stick parts on its head which it uses to touch things and discover what is around it.

I've been putting out a few feelers and it seems that most people are against changing the way we elect the committee.

See also: out, put

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put out feelers

to try to discover what people think about something that you might do She was thinking of running for mayor, so she started putting out feelers.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of feelers (the two thin parts attached to an insect's head, used to touch things)

See also: out, put