Initially, this referred to the playing of music without reference to printed notation. More recently it is also used figuratively to mean ‘handle a situation in an impromptu manner’, that is, without reference to pre-determined rules or guidelines.
Initially, this referred to the playing of music without reference to printed notation. More recently it is also used figuratively to mean ‘handle a situation in an impromptu manner’, that is, without reference to pre-determined rules or guidelines.
The use of the word ‘ear’ to denote musical talent dates back to the 16th century. William Caxton’s assistant, Jan van Wynkyn (a.k.a. Wynkyn de Worde) printed this book by William Bonde – The Pilgrimage of Perfection, 1526:
“In the psalmody… haue a good eare.”
[Psalmody usually refers to the art or practice of singing psalms or other sacred vocal music such as hymns and anthems. The OED also records a psalmody as the place where psalms were sung – what is now called the choir.]
The phrase ‘play by ear’ was coined much later. The first record of it is in an 1839 edition of The Edinburgh Review:
“Miss Austen is like one who plays by ear, while Miss Martineau understands the science.”
The figurative sense came into being in the mid 20th century in the USA. the early references in that context all relate to sports, notably baseball; for example, this story about the proposed sale of the Brooklyn Dodgers, from The Coshocton Tribune, February 1934:
“Before going further In this direction, perhaps I can believe that awful suspense by stating that I am reliably informed today that the Brooklyn Dodgers, otherwise the daffiness boys, otherwise the young men who play by ear, are for sale.”
See other phrases that were coined in the USA.
Trend of play by ear in printed material over time
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T UV W XYZ
American Animals Australian Bible Body Colour Conflict Death Devil Dogs Emotions Euphemism Family Fashion Food French Horses ‘Jack’ Luck Money Military Music Names Nature Nautical Numbers Politics Religion Shakespeare Stupidity Entertainment Weather Women Work
Have you spotted something that needs updated on this page? We review all feedback we receive to ensure that we provide the most accurate and up to date information on phrases.