take the pulse of
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take the pulse of (something)
To sense, determine, or judge the mood, feeling, or status of a particular group, setting, or environment. Try to take the pulse of the crowd. If they seem bored, play some more upbeat songs. We've been trying to take the pulse of voters ahead of the election, and so far it has been almost exactly split down the middle between the two candidates.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
take the pulse of something
Fig. to sample or survey something to learn about its progress or state. Two executives came in to take the pulse of the local business unit.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
take the pulse of
Also, feel the pulse of. Try to determine the intentions or sentiments of a person or group, as in These exit polls allegedly take the pulse of the voters, but I don't believe they're very meaningful . [First half of 1600s] Also see feel out.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
take the pulse of
To judge the mood or views of (a political electorate, for example): The politician was able to take the pulse of the grass-roots voters.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.