playing by ear

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’re all playing by ear day to day, and in the best-case scenarios, our ethics, integrity, and consistency create a harmonic score to low-key interpersonal chaos.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2020

But playing by ear, you just say, "Now I wonder where he had that note?"

From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2020

“A lot of people start with playing by ear and add the note-reading in later.”

From Washington Times • May 13, 2018

What I really loved was playing by ear, for myself or for my mother or for anyone who wanted to sing.

From New York Times • Sep. 26, 2017

"Oh, no," was the amiable retort; "It's a cornet I'm playing, by ear."

From Suppers Novel Suggestions for Social Occasions by Pierce, Paul