Idioms & Slang

Play it by ear

pleɪ ɪt baɪ ɪr

idiom

What does Play it by ear mean?

To decide as things happen, without a plan.

Example sentence

"No dinner plans — let's play it by ear."

American usage tip

From playing music without sheet music.

Related Idioms & Slang words

Off the top of my head
Without checking; from memory.
The whole nine yards
Everything; the full extent.
Silver lining
The positive side of a bad situation.
Break a leg
Good luck (especially before a performance).
On the fence
Undecided.
Down the road
In the future.
Beat around the bush
To avoid the main point.
Game changer
Something that transforms a situation.

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