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Jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen

To sound someone out, to discreetly check someone's knowledge or intentions

In German

Jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen

YE-man-dem owf den TSAHN FY-len

Literal Translation

To feel someone on the tooth

Meaning

To sound someone out, to discreetly check someone's knowledge or intentions.

Equivalent:"To sound someone out"

Origin:From veterinary medicine, where a horse's age and health were determined by examining its teeth. It implies a thorough and critical examination.

Example Sentences

1
Ich werde ihm mal auf den Zahn fühlen, was er wirklich vorhat.
I'll sound him out to see what he's really up to.
2
Der Chef wollte den Bewerbern auf den Zahn fühlen, um ihre Fachkenntnisse zu testen.
The boss wanted to sound out the applicants to test their expertise.

FAQ

How do you say "To sound someone out, to discreetly check someone's knowledge or intentions" in German?

"To sound someone out, to discreetly check someone's knowledge or intentions" in German is "Jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen" (YE-man-dem owf den TSAHN FY-len). Example: Ich werde ihm mal auf den Zahn fühlen, was er wirklich vorhat..

To lead someone astray, to trick or deceive someone, to put someone in a difficult situation

Jemanden aufs Glatteis führen

YE-man-dem owfs GLAHT-tys FY-ren

To fly off the handle, to lose one's temper, to be extremely angry

Aus der Haut fahren

ows HOWT FAH-ren

To test something thoroughly, to examine something in detail

Etwas auf Herz und Nieren prüfen

ET-vas owf HERT oont NEE-ren PRY-fen

To get to the bottom of something, to find out someone's secret or trick

Jemandem auf die Schliche kommen

YE-man-dem owf dee SHLEE-che KOM-men