feel one's way


feel (one's) way

To proceed with some task slowly and carefully, typically by using intuition or trial and error, as opposed to previous experience or expert knowledge. The intended image is of one tentatively navigating through a dark space by touch instead of sight. I'm new to the process, so I'm still feeling my way through it, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. If you don't know the answer to a question, try to feel your way through it by using the context clues.See also: feel, way

feel one's way

Proceed cautiously, as in Until we know who we're dealing with, we'll have to feel our way. This expression alludes to groping by touch when one is unable to see. [Early 1600s] Also see feel for, def. 1. See also: feel, way