put out feelers
US /pʊt aʊt ˈfiːlərz/
UK /pʊt aʊt ˈfiːlərz/
1.
to make careful suggestions or inquiries in order to find out what people's reactions or opinions are
:
•
Before proposing the new policy, the manager decided to put out feelers among the staff.
•
She's been putting out feelers for a new job, but nothing concrete yet.