What does “Put Out Feelers” mean?
"Put out feelers" means to discreetly inquire or gather information about something or someone.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I'll put out feelers to see if anyone is interested in joining the club.
Example
Before making a decision, it's always a good idea to put out feelers and gather some opinions.
Example
He decided to put out feelers to find out if there were any job opportunities available
Is “Put Out Feelers” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Put Out Feelers” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Put Out Feelers” effectively in context?
You can use "Put Out Feelers" when you want to discreetly inquire or gather information about something or someone. It implies reaching out to people or sources to get a sense of interest, availability, or opinions. For example, if you're organizing a club and want to gauge interest, you might say, 'I'll put out feelers to see if anyone is interested in joining the club.'
- 1Social Networking
Before making a decision, it's always a good idea to put out feelers and gather some opinions.
- 2Job Search
He decided to put out feelers to find out if there were any job opportunities available.
- 3Market Research
The company wanted to test the market before launching a new product, so they put out feelers to gather feedback from potential customers.
Similar phrases to “Put Out Feelers”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Put Out Feelers” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Put Out Feelers" is unknown.
Is “Put Out Feelers” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Put Out Feelers" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it when they want to discreetly inquire or gather information about something or someone without being too direct.
What tone does “Put Out Feelers” have?
"Put Out Feelers" conveys a tone of curiosity and discretion. It suggests a subtle approach to gathering information or opinions without being too pushy or obvious.
Can “Put Out Feelers” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Put Out Feelers" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of discreetly gathering information or opinions. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She decided to put out feelers and see if there were any job opportunities available.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "put out feelers"!' to imply the intention to gather information.
