"Played by ear" is often used to describe someone who is improvising or making decisions without a plan or strategy. There are several synonyms for this phrase, including "winging it," "going with the flow," "improvising," and "making it up as you go." Other related phrases include "flying blind," "shooting from the hip," and "ad-libbing." These terms all convey the idea of making choices on the fly or with limited preparation. While this approach can be effective in some situations, it can also lead to problems if it results in poor decision-making or a lack of direction.