"Put out a feeler question" is an idiomatic expression meaning to indirectly inquire about something by testing the waters. The spelling of this word is fairly straightforward. "Put" is spelt /pʊt/, with a short "u" vowel sound and a "t" consonant. "Out" is spelt /aʊt/, with a diphthong sound that blends the "ow" and "oo" sounds. "Feeler" is spelt /ˈfiːlər/, with a long "ee" vowel sound and a slightly extended "l" consonant. "Question" is spelt /ˈkwɛstʃən/, with a "kw" sound at the beginning and a "tch" sound after the "s".
To put out a feeler question means to ask a subtle or indirect query in order to gauge someone's opinion, interest, or intentions on a particular matter. This expression typically refers to a strategic maneuver employed by individuals or organizations to gather preliminary information or test the waters before committing to a full course of action. By posing a feeler question, one seeks to establish a sense of the respondent's stance or receptiveness without explicitly revealing their own position.
The term "put out" implies that the questioner is initiating the query, or in a sense, releasing it into the conversation to elicit a response. The word "feeler" indicates that the question is used as a probe to "feel out" or assess the situation before taking further steps. This type of question is often designed to be non-threatening and unassuming, allowing for a more comfortable and open exchange of thoughts or sentiments.
Put out a feeler questions are frequently employed in various contexts, such as personal relationships, negotiations, or market research, where people need to gather information and assess others' positions without directly making their intentions or preferences known. It serves as a preliminary step to gain insights and inform decision-making processes. Overall, putting out a feeler question is a tactful and astute approach to assess the landscape and gather relevant information before proceeding with more explicit actions or statements.