feel the pulse of

feel the pulse of (something)

To use one's intuition to identify the current mood or feeling of a person, group, or setting. Try to feel the pulse of the crowd. If they seem bored, play some more upbeat songs.
See also: feel, of, pulse
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

feel (or take) the pulse of

ascertain the general mood or opinion of.
The image here is of literally determining someone's heart rate by feeling and timing the pulsation of an artery.
1994 Daily Mirror Our new Housing Monitor…will take the pulse of the housing market to keep you informed about the value of your most precious asset—your home.
See also: feel, of, pulse
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • feel the pulse of (something)
  • take the pulse of
  • take the pulse of (something)
  • read the room
  • in (one's) bones
  • in bones
  • in your bones
  • follow (one's) heart
  • follow heart
  • play (one's) hunch
References in classic literature
Don Diego; "all I can tell thee is that I have seen him act the acts of the greatest madman in the world, and heard him make observations so sensible that they efface and undo all he does; do thou talk to him and feel the pulse of his wits, and as thou art shrewd, form the most reasonable conclusion thou canst as to his wisdom or folly; though, to tell the truth, I am more inclined to take him to be mad than sane."
Repeat me some of your long-measure verses, senor, if you will be so good, for I want thoroughly to feel the pulse of your rare genius."
'This is where audiences feel the pulse of what's happening now all around the world in screen storytelling.'
It is essential that the council also feel the pulse of the people before advising the government as projects become developmental only when they address the needs of the people.
we are starting to feel the pulse of the market beating," said Francis.
She also took a swipe at her MCA rival Tan Gim Tuan, whose election campaign is centered on him being a 'local boy' who is able to feel the pulse of the residents in the area better.
BAGHDAD / National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) - MP for the State of Law Coalition Ahmed al-Asadi stressed that the promotion of the return of the Peshmerga to Kirkuk and other areas, aims to feel the pulse of public opinion and influence on the Iraqi street.
Doesn't Orbos listen to the radio, watch TV or read the Inquirer to feel the pulse of the public about how effete the MMDA has been by and large perceived to be for the longest time?
"The move is meant to also feel the pulse of Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and the world.
Mr Blair received a muted reception at the Royal Opera House event last night, but said: "I feel the pulse of progress beat a little more confidently.
Gandhi is reportedly making efforts to feel the pulse of the youth in the economically backward regions of the country.
And distribution companies have to feel the pulse of the fluctuating cost and shipment expenses of petrol.
A private 1,129 s/f outdoor space includes curved balconies and a grand terrace where Gouzer--who registered as an LLC for the purchase recorded in city records last week, but whose name was on state department records--can feel the pulse of the heart of the Chelsea gallery scene.
Fly phone theatre MV135 - Feel the pulse of beats and music with Booom speakers [Review]