English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Play by ear
Meaning
"Play by ear" is an idiom that means to learn or perform something without prior preparation or instruction, relying instead on one's own experience and intuition. It suggests a flexible and adaptable approach, rather than following strict rules or guidelines.
Usage
- She had never played piano before, but she was able to play by ear during the impromptu jam session at the party.
- The chef prepares his dishes based on customer requests, playing by ear when it comes to seasoning and presentation.
- When teaching a new employee, it's important to provide guidance and instruction so they can perform their tasks competently rather than relying solely on their experience.
- In sports, athletes may need to adjust their technique or strategy on the fly based on the opponent's moves, playing by ear in order to succeed.
- Some musicians prefer to improvise their solos, playing by ear and relying on their sense of melody and rhythm to create something unique and expressive.
Roots and History
The idiom "play by ear" has been in use since at least the 17th century. One of the earliest recorded uses is found in a 1626 collection of proverbs, which includes the phrase "he played by ear." However, its exact origin is unclear. It may come from the idea of playing music by feeling the notes with one's fingertips rather than following sheet music, or it may be related to the concept of learning by listening and observing others. Over time, the idiom has been used in a variety of contexts to describe a flexible and adaptable approach to learning or performing something.
Synonyms in English
- "Learn by doing"
- "Experimentation"
- "Intuition"
- "Improvisation"
- "Gut feeling"
Synonyms in other languages
- Japanese: 「おきぞり」(okizori) - to learn by doing
- Spanish: 「aprender por hacerlo」(aprendere por hacerlo) - to learn by doing
- French: 「apprendre par la pratique」(apprendre par la pratique) - to learn by doing
- Italian: 「imparare per fare» (imparare per fare) - to learn by doing
- German: 「Lernen durch Tun」(lernen durch tun) - to learn by doing