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Definition of Play it by ear
1. Verb. Decide on one's actions as one goes along, depending on the situation. "She didn't know what to expect from her new job, so she played it by ear"
Lexicographical Neighbors of Play It By Ear
Literary usage of Play it by ear
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Education by Project Innovation (Organization) (1904)
"... is so unobservant as to play over her piece to give her the swing and soul of
it, she will play it by ear, and refuse to read it as often as possible. ..."
2. Rhythm, Music and Education by Émile Jaques-Dalcroze (1921)
"If you recall a tune of your youth, can she play it by ear?" "You're joking!
She's only an amateur, not a real musician." "Still, I suppose she can rattle ..."
3. Negotiating While Fighting: The Diary of Admiral C. Turner Joy at the Korean by Charles Turner Joy, Allan E. Goodman (1978)
"If in the affirmative I would play it by ear. I also asked R to line up a relief
for me should it become apparent that the arm. conference would drag on ..."
4. Life and Light for Woman by Woman's Board of Missions (1904)
"She has only to hear a tune once or twice before she is able to play it by ear
on the organ. We have begun to harness the talent and give it scientific ..."
5. Addresses and Proceedings by National Education Association of the United States, National Teachers' Association (U.S.)., American Normal School Association, Central College Association (1905)
"The old course of study, which was so simple that even Sister Jones could play
it by ear, has given place to a new, elaborate, and highly organized course ..."
6. Assisted Suicide edited by Michael Bilirakis (1998)
"If not, well let's play it by ear. He's still en route. Well gentlemen, again
thank you so much for your patience. I can only apologize as I always try to ..."
7. Change Is the Rule: Practical Actions for Change: On Target, on Time, on Budget by Winford E. Holland (2000)
"We'll just have to play it by ear." And, while most of us can handle a 50-hour
week, we can't handle 60 to 70 hours week in and week out. ..."
8. Education by Project Innovation (Organization) (1904)
"... is so unobservant as to play over her piece to give her the swing and soul of
it, she will play it by ear, and refuse to read it as often as possible. ..."
9. Rhythm, Music and Education by Émile Jaques-Dalcroze (1921)
"If you recall a tune of your youth, can she play it by ear?" "You're joking!
She's only an amateur, not a real musician." "Still, I suppose she can rattle ..."
10. Negotiating While Fighting: The Diary of Admiral C. Turner Joy at the Korean by Charles Turner Joy, Allan E. Goodman (1978)
"If in the affirmative I would play it by ear. I also asked R to line up a relief
for me should it become apparent that the arm. conference would drag on ..."
11. Life and Light for Woman by Woman's Board of Missions (1904)
"She has only to hear a tune once or twice before she is able to play it by ear
on the organ. We have begun to harness the talent and give it scientific ..."
12. Addresses and Proceedings by National Education Association of the United States, National Teachers' Association (U.S.)., American Normal School Association, Central College Association (1905)
"The old course of study, which was so simple that even Sister Jones could play
it by ear, has given place to a new, elaborate, and highly organized course ..."
13. Assisted Suicide edited by Michael Bilirakis (1998)
"If not, well let's play it by ear. He's still en route. Well gentlemen, again
thank you so much for your patience. I can only apologize as I always try to ..."
14. Change Is the Rule: Practical Actions for Change: On Target, on Time, on Budget by Winford E. Holland (2000)
"We'll just have to play it by ear." And, while most of us can handle a 50-hour
week, we can't handle 60 to 70 hours week in and week out. ..."
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