To attract someone's attention or arouse their interest (to draw notice or focus).
彼は派手な帽子で通りの人の気を引いた。
He attracted passersby with a flashy hat.
新商品はパッケージで消費者の気を引く必要がある。
A new product needs to catch consumers' attention with its packaging.
プレゼンの冒頭で面白い例を出して聴衆の気を引いた。
At the start of the presentation I gave an interesting example to grab the audience's attention.
To sound someone out or discreetly probe someone's feelings or reactions (to draw them out as part of gauging their true thoughts).
彼女の反応を気を引いて、本気かどうかを確かめた。
I tried to draw out her reaction to see whether she was serious.
面接官の本心を気を引くために軽く冗談を言った。
I made a light joke to probe the interviewer's true feelings.
上司の反応を気を引きつつ、提案の温度を測った。
While gauging the boss's reaction, I tested the reception to my proposal.