kite-flying
noun [ U ] uk/ˈkaɪtˌflaɪ.ɪŋ/ us/ˈkaɪtˌflaɪ.ɪŋ/
（通过透露风声等方式的）试探舆论反应
the act of trying to find out what people's opinion about something new will be by informally spreading news of it
These rumours of a new political party are obviously a kite-flying exercise. 这些有关新政党的谣言显然是试探舆论的手段。