play by ear

1. play it by ear . Proceed gradually, depending on the circumstances; improvise. For example, I'm not sure how much we should say about our plans, so let's play it by ear . [Mid-1900s]

2. Play a musical instrument without the aid of written music, as in By the time she was four, she could play a dozen songs by ear . [Late 1600s]

Example Sentences

Goolsbee said the Fed would need to "play by ear" whether any further rate increases are needed.

From Reuters

So I just taught myself more in church how to play by ear.

From Seattle Times

“I think it’s gonna be a little bit different. So we’ll just kind of play by ear when I get back home.”

From Los Angeles Times

Orgeron said Stingley and LSU initially chose to wait on surgery because his injury was a nagging one in which it seemed prudent to “play by ear” and see if it improved without surgery.

From Seattle Times

In his teaching Tony often encourages his students to play by ear, without sheet music.

From BBC