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."
inseparable
feel around
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To search or explore an area using your hands and sense of touch, especially when you cannot see clearly.
In plain English
To use your hands to look for something when you can't see it, like searching in the dark.
What does "feel around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To feel (use touch) while moving around — the action is physically exploratory.
Actually means
To use your hands to look for something when you can't see it, like searching in the dark.
Usage tip
Typically used when visibility is low or access is limited. Can also be used figuratively for cautiously exploring a situation. Neutral in most contexts.
Words that pair with "feel around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
dark light switch key pocket blind wall
How to conjugate "feel around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "feel around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "feel around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "feel around"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
fumble around grope around probe reach around search by touch
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