play it by ear

P

play it by ear

Meaning

• improvise; act without preparation.
• to let things go as they may.
• determined on the circumstances.
• according to the demand of the situation.

Example Sentences

1. Rather than adopting a new academic strategy, the principal decided to play it by ear.
2. I don’t know what I will do when she comes in front of me. Let’s just play it by ear.
3. I am not sure whether my plan will work or not, so let’s just play it by ear.
4. Jane said that she has to play it by ear because she is not sure where to go tomorrow morning.
5. It’s hard to know how the situation will develop. Let’s just play it by ear.
6. We can play it by ear and decide where to meet later.
7. Question: “Hey Gian, Are you coming to play baseball this Sunday?”
   Answer: “I am not sure, Nobita. Let’s play it by ear.”

Origin

Mid-1900s

See also: play by ear

Body, Circumstances, Ear, Play