play (something) by ear
US /pleɪ ˈsʌm.θɪŋ baɪ ɪr/
UK /pleɪ ˈsʌm.θɪŋ baɪ ɪr/
1.
随机应变, 见机行事
to decide how to deal with a situation as it develops, rather than by having a fixed plan
:
•
We don't have a set schedule for the trip; we'll just play it by ear.
我们没有固定的旅行计划；我们会随机应变。
•
I can't give you a definite answer now, let's just play it by ear and see how things go.
我现在不能给你一个明确的答复，我们还是随机应变，看看情况如何发展。
2.
凭记忆演奏, 不看乐谱演奏
to play a piece of music without having seen it written down
:
•
She can play any song by ear after hearing it once.
她听一遍就能凭记忆演奏任何歌曲。
•
Many jazz musicians prefer to play by ear rather than read sheet music.
许多爵士乐手更喜欢凭记忆演奏，而不是看乐谱。