Explore opinions when the audio is not working (5,3)

I believe the answer is:

sound out

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'explore opinions when' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'audio is not working' is the wordplay.
'audio' becomes 'sound' (synonyms).
'is not working' becomes 'out' (out can mean on strike).
'sound'+'out'='SOUND OUT'

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sound out that I've seen before include "Discreetly ask the opinion of (someone)" , "Discreetly question (someone)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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