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Definitions

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.

We'll play it by ear, see how things work out.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2023

“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

“However, unlike the past, we will have to play it by ear because the course of our day depends upon how Mom feels.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 23, 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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