Is there any difference between "play it by ear" and "wing it"?

"Playing by ear" generally means acting in a fairly cautious manner, aware of the situation. It proesumably comes from music, learning a tune or an instrument by careful listening.

"Winging it" means to go ahead regardlessly, even recklessly; though why the flying allusion I cannot say. Flying freely like a bird, perhaps?

they're pretty close to the same. I think of 'winging it' as potentially higher stakes/more consequence with failure, but that might just be me.

Play by ear, you kinda lay back and react. Wing it, you more proactive and go for it.

"Play it by the ear" seems more like knowing you are crossing a line but not too dastardly to cross back into to the rules and regulations if someone says you should not be doing that. A slow and go, to see what comes of it.


A "Wing it" is saying fuck the rules and running head long into whatever it is you are going to do with reckless abandon.

Different origins, same meaning? Going without a preset plan? Deciding on the go?

Maybe once upon a time

But now they both basically mean to do something without a formal plan