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.
I tried to sound out his true feelings.
The police are continuing their investigation into the case.
fumbling; groping
probing with chopsticks; rummaging in shared dishes with chopsticks
groping with one's feet; feeling one's way
blindly groping; fumbling in the dark
find out; dig up; sniff out; worm out; pry out; spy out
Standard kanji spelling. The noun form of 探る (さぐる).
Noun form of the verb 探る (さぐる, 'to probe, search for'). The verb itself is of native Japanese origin.