Play it by ear
verb
To decide or act according to the situation and not following a plan.
We don't have a plan for the trip, we will play it by ear.
Often appears as...
- let's play it by ear
- i'll play it by ear
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
Regarding music, play a piece on an instrument without sheet music, but by listening to it first.
He doesn't read sheet music, he just plays it by ear.
Often appears as...
- play the piano by ear
- he can play it by ear
verb
To decide or act according to the situation and not following a plan.
We don't have a plan for the trip, we will play it by ear.
Often appears as...
- let's play it by ear
- i'll play it by ear
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
Regarding music, play a piece on an instrument without sheet music, but by listening to it first.
He doesn't read sheet music, he just plays it by ear.
Often appears as...
- play the piano by ear
- he can play it by ear
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Flexibility Required
Use when outcomes are uncertain or when you want to show willingness to adjust to situations.
The weather might change our plans, so let's play it by ear.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Setting
Best used in casual conversations rather than in formal or professional scenarios.
It's just a casual meet-up, we'll play it by ear.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Planless
Doesn't mean there's no plan at all, just that the plan is flexible.
We have a few ideas for our holiday, but mostly we're playing it by ear.
Pro Tip 1/3Flexibility Required
Use when outcomes are uncertain or when you want to show willingness to adjust to situations.
The weather might change our plans, so let's play it by ear.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Setting
Best used in casual conversations rather than in formal or professional scenarios.
It's just a casual meet-up, we'll play it by ear.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Planless
Doesn't mean there's no plan at all, just that the plan is flexible.
We have a few ideas for our holiday, but mostly we're playing it by ear.
Pro Tip 1/3Flexibility Required
Use when outcomes are uncertain or when you want to show willingness to adjust to situations.
The weather might change our plans, so let's play it by ear.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Setting
Best used in casual conversations rather than in formal or professional scenarios.
It's just a casual meet-up, we'll play it by ear.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Planless
Doesn't mean there's no plan at all, just that the plan is flexible.
We have a few ideas for our holiday, but mostly we're playing it by ear.
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