Play by ear meaning
What does the saying 'Play by ear' mean?
Idiom: Play by ear
Meaning:
If you play by ear, you deal with something in an impromptu manner, without guidelines or rules. It refers to playing music without using written notation.
Country: International English |
Subject Area: Music |
Usage Type: Both or All Words Used
All idioms have been editorially reviewed, and submitted idioms may have been edited for correctness and completeness.
« Previous: Play ball
Next: Play fast and loose »
Similar Idioms
- Play havoc
- Play it by ear
- Play second fiddle
- Foul play
- Play fast and loose
- Play hooky
- Play into someone's hands
- Play for time
- Clutch play
- Child's play
- Play ball
- All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
- While the cat's away, the mouse will play
- Play hardball
- Play out of your skin
- Play the field
- Play with fire
- Play the fool
- Go play in traffic
- Play for keeps
- Play hard to get
- Play possum
- Play gooseberry
Idiom eBooks from UsingEnglish.com
Download our curated lists of idioms in PDF format - perfect to use offline for reference or for use in class!
If you have a question about idioms, ask us about it in our Idioms Discussion Forum.
If you know of an idiom that you would like to be listed here, please use our online form to suggest an idiom.
See also:
- View examples in Google: Play by ear
- Idiom Quizzes