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For Life
2009.09.18

Here's one more expression for you before we call it a week!

And by the way, the WordMaster will be taking a few days off to celebrate the holidays and will be back on Thursday the 24th. Until then, don't forget to respect your elders and welcome the fall with a smile!

Today's LessonCATEGORY: イディオム
PLAY IT BY EAR   聞き覚えで演奏する、状況に応じて対処する

Explanation

  • To play music or an instrument by ear is to play it without seeing the printed music, by remembering how it sounds.

    To play it by ear is also to decide how to handle a situation as it happens, rather than to have a plan in advance.
  • 音楽や楽器について play by ear と言うと、楽譜を見ずに、聞き覚えで演奏する、という意味になります。

    また、前もって計画するのではなく、事態が起こったときにどのように対応するかを決める、つまり、状況に応じて対処する、という意味もあります。

PLAY IT BY EAR

examples

  1. A lot of people can play piano, but very few can play by ear.
  2. Rachel can play anything you like by ear, as long as she's heard it before. Just tell her your favorite song.
  3. I didn't have time to make hotel reservations, so I'm just going to play it by ear when I get there.
  4. a: What do you want to do after dinner tonight?
    b: I don't know. Let's just play it by ear and see what we're in the mood for.

英会話レッスンMake the most of the long holiday! See you!