They took 'soundings' on his chances of winning. [=they talked to and questioned people about his chances of winning]
The sailors were taking 'soundings' as the ship approached the coast.
The troops were 'sounding off' during their exercises.
(..) until his mother punched me with her keys. Fine, put the Slim Jim in the garbage bag. Well, what if you said it without sounding so condescending? I can try, but your plan has the words "garbage bag" and "Slim Jim" in it! (..)2014 TvShow: The Big Bang Theory Title: The Clean Room Infiltration Season: 8 Episode 11