探さぐり

noun

probing; sounding out; exploratory investigation

Refers to the act of discreetly investigating or feeling out a situation, person's intentions, or physical space. Can be used literally (e.g., probing with a tool) or figuratively (e.g., sounding out someone's opinion). The gloss 'spy' is a loose extension for covert information gathering.

• 彼かれの本ほん心しんを探さぐりを入いれてみた。

  I tried to sound out his true feelings.

• 警けい察さつは事じ件けんの探さぐりを続つづけている。

  The police are continuing their investigation into the case.