Everyday Office Jargon · Associate level

"Put out feelers"

To "put out feelers" means to make informal inquiries to gauge whether there is interest, support, or appetite for something before committing.

Say this instead: gauge interest

How "Put out feelers" shows up at work

People put out feelers when they want information without accountability. It gives you cover to float an idea, a candidate, or a business proposal without having to own it if the reaction is lukewarm. Useful, and slightly cowardly, in equal measure.

Buzzword

Before we finalize anything, let's Put out feelers with a few key clients.

Plain English

Before we finalize anything, let's quietly check whether a few key clients are interested.

Corporate Rank: Associate  ·  Category: Everyday Office Jargon

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