Play by the ear

Definitions

• make decisions as you go along
  To handle a situation as it develops, without a clear plan or direction

• be flexible
  To be open to changing plans or adapting to new circumstances

Examples of Play by the ear

• The musician didn't have the sheet music for the concert, so she had to play by the ear.

  When someone plays by the ear, they're relying on their own instincts and memory to perform a piece of music rather than following a written score. In this example, the musician was caught off guard and had to rely on her own memory and ability to hear and reproduce the music in order to give a successful performance.

• The composer encouraged her students to learn to play by the ear, saying it was a crucial step towards becoming a well-rounded musician.

  Learning to play by the ear can be beneficial for musicians, as it helps them to be more adaptable and flexible while playing. It allows them to improvise and create their own unique variations on familiar pieces, and can also make it easier to pick up new music without the need for a written score. In this example, the composer is encouraging her students to develop this skill in order to become more versatile and well-rounded musicians.

• The choir director handed out the sheet music for the performance but also warned the singers to remember to play by the ear as well, since the acoustics in the performance venue were unpredictable.

  Sometimes, even with a written score, unexpected acoustics or other factors can make it difficult for musicians to hear and reproduce the music accurately. In this example, the choir director is reminding the singers to rely on their own instincts and hearing as well, in order to compensate for any potential acoustic issues in the performance venue.

• The band leader was impressed with the lead guitarist's ability to play by the ear, as she was able to seamlessly weave in creative solos that perfectly complemented the rest of the band's performance.

  In this example, the lead guitarist's ability to play by the ear allowed her to contribute unique and exciting solos to the performance, which not only added to the overall sound but also showcased her own musical talent. This ability to improvise and play creatively based on the music she hears is a valuable skill for any musician, and can be a major asset in live performances as well as in studio recordings.

• Sarah was nervous about giving her first speech in front of such a large audience. She had prepared carefully, but still felt unsure of herself. As she stepped up to the podium, she decided to play it by ear and speak from her heart, rather than sticking strictly to her notes.

  This idiom is used when someone is uncertain about how to proceed in a situation and decides to trust their instincts and react naturally, rather than relying on a preconceived plan or set of rules. In Sarah's case, she realized that her rehearsed speech might not feel natural or genuine in front of the audience, and so chose to rely on her own intuition and speak more freely.

• As a musician, James often works with new and inexperienced band members. He knows that they may not be fully comfortable with the music at first, and encourages them to play it by ear, rather than trying to memorize every note perfectly. By allowing them to improvise and experiment, James is able to help them develop their own style and feel more confident on stage.

  This example shows the idiom being used in a creative way, as James applies it to the world of music. He understands that some performers may not feel comfortable following every detail of a musical composition, and instead encourages them to listen to the music and respond in their own unique way. This can lead to more spontaneous and exciting performances, while also allowing the musicians to develop their skills in a more relaxed and intuitive way.

• When Emily started her new job, she was excited but also a little unsure about how to handle certain aspects of her role. Rather than trying to stick strictly to the rules and procedures, she decided to play it by ear and approach each situation with an open mind and a willingness to learn. This helped her to build relationships with her colleagues and clients, and to feel more confident and comfortable in her role.

  This example illustrates the way that the idiom can be applied to a variety of different settings, from music and performance to the workplace and professional relationships. Emily recognized that she might not know everything about her new job, and so decided to be flexible and adaptable, rather than trying to stick strictly to a predetermined plan. This allowed her to build trust and rapport with her colleagues and clients, and to feel more comfortable and confident in her role.

• John is not a natural-born singer, but he'll give it his best shot. He's learned to play by the ear and pick up melodies quickly.

  This idiom is commonly used to describe someone who learns something instinctively or intuitively without formal training or instruction. In this case, John may not have had any prior singing experience, but he's discovered that he can pick up melodies and learn songs on his own simply by listening to them and mimicking the sounds he hears. Essentially, he's learning as he goes and figuring things out as he listens, without relying on a strict set of rules or guidelines.

Conclusion

The idiom "play by ear" is often used to describe the act of approaching a situation without a fixed plan, instead making decisions as the situation unfolds. It can also convey the idea of being flexible and open to changing plans based on new information or circumstances. Overall, the idiom emphasizes adaptability and the willingness to adjust to the unexpected.

Origin of "Play by the ear"

The origin of the idiom "play by ear" can be traced back to music. It originally referred to musicians who were able to play a piece of music without sheet music by listening to it and picking up the tune by ear. Over time, the idiom's meaning expanded to encompass a broader sense of improvisation and adaptability. Today, it is commonly used in everyday language to describe handling situations without a fixed plan or being open to changing plans based on the circumstances. The idiom has evolved from its musical origins to become a versatile expression used in a variety of contexts.