Idiom "by ear"

[lkj]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #293 "English Slang Idioms (15)", question 2

Since there was no agenda for the day, the team leader decided to play it by ......... and deal with issues as they came up.

(a) rote
(b) ear
(c) numbers
(d) textbook

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #293 "English Slang Idioms (15)", answer 2

Since there was no agenda for the day, the team leader decided to play it by ear and deal with issues as they came up.

Correct answer: (b) ear
_________________________

why

lkj

[Mister Micawber]

.
Because that is the idiom: BY EAR.
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Lost_Soul]

And another one with the same meaning is "play it off the cuff", right?

[Mister Micawber]

.
Yes. Of the cuff stresses the lack of preparation; by ear stresses reacting to the current situation.
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's