play (something) by ear

1. to deal with a situation as it develops and without a plan.

I'm not sure if I can go bowling or not, I'll just have to play it by ear.

Usage notes: sometimes used with other verbs:

I write by ear, and rarely with any exact notion of how I want it to come out.

2. to play a piece of music after hearing it and without written music.

My brother can play anything on the piano by ear.

• give someone the benefit of the doubt
• give someone the bird
• give someone the boot
• give someone the cold shoulder
• give someone the creeps
• give someone the elbow
• give someone the evil eye
• give someone the finger
• give someone the glad eye
• give someone the green light
• give someone the heave ho
• give someone the heebie-jeebies
• give someone their due
• give someone their head
• give someone their marching orders
• give someone their walking papers
• give someone the jitters
• give someone the kiss of life
• give someone the nod
• give someone the old heave ho
• give someone the once-over
• give someone the push
• give someone the right of first refusal
• give someone the right to first refusal
• give someone the rough side of tongue