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play it by ear

VERB
take a situation as it comes
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

She said she will "play it by ear" when it comes to lecturing in the coming years.

From BBC Jan. 2, 2026

“As long as he’s in relatively good shape, you work him in and get him playing, and you play it by ear and eyes and see where he is after that.”

From Washington Times Sep. 1, 2023

“I’m just going to play it by ear, see whichever one of the styles that work,” Taylor said.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 1, 2023

Right now, it’s so new; I think it makes sense to play it by ear and be dynamic.

From The Verge Aug. 2, 2022

At times I forget to tell you things and just play it by ear.

From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez




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