play it by ear

idiom

: to do something without special preparation

I don't know how they'll react to our proposal, so we'll just have to play it by ear and hope for the best.

Examples of play it by ear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Under the terms of the D-backs, Rockies and Padres’ deals, fans in their respective markets could stream games for a flat rate of $99.99 for the entire season or play it by ear for $19.99 per month. —

Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2024 During today’s Sagittarius full moon, ease up and play it by ear. —

USA TODAY, 3 June 2023 Richardson said the restaurant/bar will play it by ear. —

Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 24 May 2021 Do some preliminary homework and do your best to prepare for all eventualities, then let concerns go, play it by ear and allow things to flow naturally. —

Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive, 8 May 2021 As far as his back is concerned, Embiid and the team will have to play it by ear. —

Ky Carlin, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2021

Cite this Entry

Style

“Play it by ear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20it%20by%20ear. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation