How to Pronounce "play it by ear"
expression
PLAY it by EER
PLAY it by EAR
Definition
To decide what to do as a situation develops, without making detailed plans in advance. It means being flexible and responding to things as they happen.
IPA Transcription
American English
/ˈpleɪ ɪt baɪ ɪr/
British English
/ˈpleɪ ɪt baɪ ɪə/
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PLAY it by EER
UK
PLAY it by EAR
Listen in Context
Let's play it by ear and see what time we get there.
We don't know if it will rain, so we'll play it by ear.
I don't have a plan. I'll just play it by ear.
Not sure what I'll order at the restaurant—I’ll play it by ear.