feel around
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To use your hands to look for something when you can't see it, like searching in the dark.
Literal meaning: To feel (use touch) while moving around — the action is physically exploratory.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To search an area using your hands because you cannot see properly.
"She felt around in her bag in the dark cinema until she found her phone."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To explore a situation cautiously without committing to a course of action.
"In the first meeting, both sides were just feeling around, seeing where the other stood."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Typically used when visibility is low or access is limited. Can also be used figuratively for cautiously exploring a situation. Neutral in most contexts.
Commonly used with
dark light switch key pocket blind wall
Forms
Base
feel around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
feels around
he/she/it
Past simple
felt around
yesterday
Past participle
felt around
have + pp
-ing form
feeling around
continuous
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Synonyms
grope around fumble around reach around probe search by touch
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