What is play it by ear?

The phrase "play it by ear" is an idiom commonly used in English to describe a situation where a person does not have a fixed plan or set instructions and instead decides to respond to circumstances as they arise. The expression is often used to indicate a willingness to be flexible and adapt to unfolding events rather than sticking to a predetermined course of action.

The origin of the phrase is believed to come from the world of music, where "playing by ear" refers to the ability of musicians to play a piece of music without reading from a written score, relying instead on their ability to listen to and reproduce the sounds they've heard. This skill requires a good ear for music and a level of improvisation and intuition.

In everyday usage, saying you will "play it by ear" often means you plan to take things as they come and make decisions based on how a situation develops, without making a definite plan in advance. It emphasizes adaptability and responsiveness to the immediate environment or context.