play it by ear

[/pleɪ ɪt baɪ ɪr/]

verb phrase

improvisar; agir conforme as circunstâncias

1. To handle a situation in a flexible or spontaneous way without a specific plan; to improvise based on circumstances as they develop

We don't have a detailed itinerary for the trip; we'll just play it by ear.

Não temos um roteiro detalhado para a viagem; vamos apenas improvisar conforme as circunstâncias.

2. To decide what to do as a situation unfolds rather than planning in advance

I'm not sure if I'll go to the party yet. Let me play it by ear and see how I feel later.

Ainda não sei se vou à festa. Vou deixar para decidir conforme a situação se desenvolver.

NYC Slang

wing it; go with the flow

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

improvisar; ir conforme a situação; deixar para depois

Most commonly used phrase in Brazilian Portuguese

Rio de Janeiro

improvisar; agir na hora

Colloquial usage, popular in informal speech

São Paulo

improvisar; agir conforme as circunstâncias

Formal and informal contexts

Portugal

improvisar; agir conforme as circunstâncias; deixar para ver

Portuguese speakers may also use 'À medida que as coisas forem acontecendo'

make it up as you go

wing it

go with the flow

take it one step at a time

improvise

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