Play It By Ear Meaning, Examples, Synonyms, and Quiz

The idiom “play it by ear” implies reacting to a situation as it unfolds rather than acting according to predetermined plans.

Usage With Examples 

Here are some examples showcasing the use of “play it by ear” idiom in sentences:

• I’m not sure what I’m going to do this weekend, I will just play it by ear.
• I would want to go out to supper in the city, but I’m not sure how the traffic will be, so we will play it by ear. 
• Should we make a dinner reservation or play it by ear?
• Rather than taking a tour, we decided to play it by ear, and it was really lovely to just roam about and get to know the area.
• When it comes to presentations, your son continues to play it by ear. He needs to plan ahead for the next one.
• Let’s plan something for tomorrow. When we play it by ear, we just stay at home and do nothing.
• I’m hoping the director will be able to deliver the opening remarks, but if not, we will have to play it by ear.

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Synonyms and Similar Words to Play It By Ear 

Synonyms for “play it by ear” include: 

• Wing it,
• Make it up as you go along, 
• Do something on a wing and a prayer,
• At the spur of the moment,
• Speak off the cuff, and
• Stumble into/onto.

Play It By Ear Meaning Quiz 

Don’t play it by ear, ensure that you:

1. Proceed with a plan.
2. Do it without planning.
3. Just wait for things to happen.

Correct Answer: a) Proceed with a plan.

This was all about the idiom play it by ear meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.