play it by ear

to put off a decision till later

"I don't know we will play it by ear."

by play it by ear December 17, 2015

play it by ear

We say play it by "ear" because we are making decisions as we HEAR them. This means we are not making any final plans right now because we might hear of other things that could prevent us from being able to participate. So basically it means I might have better shit to do.

Aimee: Hey can you hang out tomorrow night?
John: I might have to work late so let's play it by ear.

by The TRUE meaning is May 12, 2016

play it by ear

the wrong way to say "play it by year"

Tom: Let's just play it by ear.
Jeb: What?! That makes no sense

by kg5025 June 18, 2011

Play it by Earl's

A phrase, used when drunk or when discussing a time period when you expect to be drunk, meaning essentially the same thing as the high-brow phrase "play it by ear."

Play it by Earl's was coined in honor of Earl's on the Ave, a well-known bar in Seattle where you go when you want drinks that will knock you on your ass.

"What are your plans for Friday?"

"I dunno, I'm just going to have a few drinks and play it by Earl's"

by WeGonDrank August 4, 2009