IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishplay it by ear
Meaning: To go along with a situation as it develops before deciding what to do; to do something without prior planning.
Example: “We don't have a plan for Saturday; let's just play it by ear.”
Origin: Musicians who play "by ear" perform without written music, working out the notes by listening; that sense dates from the 17th century. The figurative meaning of improvising without a plan is common from the mid-20th century.
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