Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Play it by ear

To do something without special preparation

The most appropriate meaning of the given idiom "play it by ear" is to do something without special preparation.

It means to improvise or make things up as you go along. It is often used to describe someone who is not afraid to take risks or who is confident in their ability to think on their feet.

The other options are incorrect:

• To plan: This is the opposite of the meaning of the idiom "play it by ear."
• To listen carefully: This is not the meaning of the idiom "play it by ear."
• To improve: This is not the meaning of the idiom "play it by ear."