play it by ear
/ˌpleɪ ɪt baɪ ˈɪə/INFORMAL · C2
Meaning
to decide what to do as things happen, without a plan
Examples
- 1We haven't booked anything for the weekend; we'll just play it by ear.
- 2The guide had no fixed route and played it by ear, depending on how tired we were.
- 3I don't know if I'll feel up to the party, so can we play it by ear?
- 4With a toddler in tow, we never plan our days out; we just play it by ear.
- 5The client might change her mind, so Priya played it by ear rather than preparing three versions.
Grammar
Only play changes form: played, playing. it stays fixed, and nothing goes between the words.
Similar in meaning
More idioms about the body
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →rule of thumba rough practical guide based on experienceput your foot in itto say something by accident that embarrasses or upsets someonebreak a legused to wish a performer good luckstick your neck outto take a risk by saying or doing something boldtwist your armto persuade someone to do something they are unwilling to doby the skin of your teethonly just, by a very small margin
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
Here you get a couple of questions. The app gives you 16 practice modes, native equivalents and spaced repetition that tells you when it’s time to refresh.
