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What does “play it by ear” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
To decide what to do as things happen, without a fixed plan
“We don't have a plan; let's just play it by ear.”
From the B2 lesson Playing It by Ear (time and timing).
C1
To decide how to handle something as it happens, without a fixed plan
“We don't have a schedule yet; let's just play it by ear.”
From the C1 lesson Playing It by Ear (time and timing).
Quick check
What does “play it by ear” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“play it by ear” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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