spec

Related to spec: Spek

on spec

1. Of some kind of work, done with the hope of selling it to make a profit, but without a prior agreement or contract. "Spec" is short for "speculation." No, we didn't commission the developer to build our house—it was built on spec with the rest of them. Dave wrote that script on spec and ended up selling it to the studio.
2. According to exact specifications. If you need any computers built on spec, they're the team to do it.
3. Describing an attempt to attend an event without obtaining a ticket (or other means of entrance) beforehand. Primarily heard in UK. You can't go to that play on spec—it's too popular, and you'll never get in.
See also: on, spec
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

on spec

 
1. using money risked in the hope of profit; on speculation. He lives by buying and selling houses on spec. I think it might be an idea to build a few yachts on spec just now.
2. as specified; right on specifications. This has been built exactly on spec—just as you asked. It's important to make sure the design is on spec or the customer will not pay.
See also: on, spec
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

on spec

Done on a speculative basis; with no assurance of profit. For example, We didn't design our house; the builder built it on spec. The use of spec as an abbreviation for speculation dates from the late 1700s.
See also: on, spec
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

on spec

in the hope of success but without any specific plan or instructions. informal
The informal abbreviation of speculation to spec was originally American, but it has been used in British English since the early 19th century, and the phrase on spec itself dates from the mid 19th century.
2000 Times As large sculpture is commissioned before being produced, Barbara's routine became the opposite of Ben's, whose work was produced on spec.
See also: on, spec
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

do something on ˈspec

(British English, informal) go somewhere without a ticket, an appointment, etc. in the hope that you will be able to get something you want: That restaurant’s very popular. You’ll never get a table if you just turn up on spec.
Spec is short for speculation (= doing something without knowing all the facts).
See also: on, something, spec
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

on spec

On a speculation basis; with no assurance of profit: houses built on spec; writes TV commercials on spec.
See also: on, spec
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • do something on spec
  • on spec
  • prior
  • prior to
  • transom
  • come (in) over the transom
  • land in on
  • over the transom
  • IAW
  • arb
References in periodicals archive
Outfit specs with the same neutral color combinations as your models, so buyers can visualize their new homes.
Do specs right: limit your risk by making smart choices that sell specs fast. (Find Your Focus)
The recent loss of faith in mass spec is puzzling considering the uniqueness, capabilities, demand for and number of applications for the technique.
The Case for Mass Spectrometry
BUSINESS: Sales Promo SVCS: Cpns, Tie-ins, Value-Added, Sampling CHARGE: CPM SPEC: Cons, B-to-B, Food, Beverage, Package Goods INFO: Broc DESCRIPTION: A leader in sourcing tie-ins for national value-added promotions.
Specimen collection for electron microscopy
Aston, PA 19014 Tel.: (610) 859-0500; (800) 258-5992 Fax: (610) 859-0301 Contact: Ed Dougherty, VP BUSINESS: Lttshp SVCS/PRODS: Print/Lttshp: Print (Laser), Address, Barcod/Sort, Burst/Fold, Insert, Label, Personal DM SVCS: Data Process SPEC PROD/SVCS: Ga Vehren "Attacher" SML JOB: 25M; LRG JOB: 10MM SPEC: Cons, Fund, Fin, Cont Progs INFO: Broc, Smpl
The art of print buying
"Spec's cannot plausibly allege facts converting its administrative win into a federal claim for attorneys fees and purported lost profits," the state argues.
Texas liquor giant Spec's sues Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for "abusive" enforcement attempts
"Building more spec homes allows us to reach people who would be looking at resales because they want to move quickly rather than wait six months or longer for a home to be built," Davidson said.
Why spec houses are making a return
Texas regulations also allow Spec's to sell their products to select beverage permittees.
A Spec-tacular history: how one family business took Texas by storm
And late last week DreamWorks paid seven figures for "Hereafter," a spec script that Peter Morgan wrote some time ago and recently revived.
Specs: fill 'er up: big paydays emerge amid script scramble
rear disc brakes, while the more powerful Spec V has 12.6-in front discs (the rears remain the same) and unique "SE-R" front calipers.
Nissan's tuner-ready Sentra
1/4 inch high letters, black per spec. MIL-M-15Z31, group 1, table 1.
Reinforce the antenna mount
The AASHTO spec provides for a means of designing adjustment of virgin asphalt binder used based on the measured effectiveness of the RAS asphalt.
Mixed messages: new specifications adopted by AASHTO encourage the use of the recycled shingles in making hot mix asphalt
Tech Data: Cross-linking makes SPEC 55 low-fluoride wire a non-melting insulation system with an operating range of 150-200[degrees]C.
Aerospace wire/cable
Reed Business Information and Construction Equipment magazine has acquired Spec Check U.S.
REED BUSINESS INFORMATION ACQUIRES SPEC CHECK
The program is overseen by the IRS's Stakeholder Partnership, Education and Communication (SPEC) function.
Pro-bono tax services: the role of tax academics and students
of Specializations represented persons Identification/ 6 1 Division Chief/Economist, Preparation (a) 1 Population Spec, FY1994 1 Community-Development Spec, 1 Public Health Spec, 1 lEC/Pop.
Annex A. Basic data sheet