The phrase “wing it” can be heard in many different conversations during the English language. However, the meaning of this saying may not be clear, we are going to take a look at the meaning of this phrase as well as finding out where the saying first came from. We will also show you some examples of how the term can be used in a conversation so that we can better understand how it functions.
Wing It
Wing It Meaning
The term “wing it” means to play something by ear or take a chance on a situation.
Origin of this English idiom
Wing it is a term which can find its origins in the theatre. Actors would practise their lines at the last minute in the wings of the stage.
“Wing It” Examples
Examples in Sentences
Seeing the term wing it in a sentence can really help us to understand how the term works, let’s take a look at some examples of this.
This first example if being said by a person at work.
- I have no idea what I am doing on this task, I’m just going to wing it.
The second example is one which is being said by a mother to her daughter.
- You might not have studied but you still have to take the test, you’ll have to wing it.
Other examples:
- I figure I can wing it on the details.
- We have to wing it in the first game, but we’ll be more prepared for the next one.
- In fact, you can just wing it and see what becomes of it.
- If you are asked a question that you’re not ready for, it’s better to say “I hadn’t considered that” than to wing it and get it wrong.
- I don’t have time to write a speech, so I’m just going to wing it.
Conversation Examples
You will be likely to hear the term wing it featured in day to day conversation many times during spoken English. We are now going to take a look at some examples of conversation which might show the term in use.
The first conversation example is one which is happening between two friends.
- Person 1; “I’m going for this job interview this afternoon.”
- Person 2; “Are you nervous?”
- Person 1; “Yes very. I haven’t prepared at all.”
- Person 2; “Just wing it, you’; be fine.”
Our next conversation is one taking place between two students at school.
- Person 1; “Have you read the thesis that we were asked to read?”
- Person 2; “No, and we have a test tomorrow.”
- Person 1; “Well, you will have to wing it in the exam and hope for the best.”
Other Ways to Say “Wing It”
The term wing it can be said in other ways by using different phrases.
Let’s take a look at some of these ways right now.
- Play it by ear
- Take a chance
- Take it as it comes
Wing It Meaning | Image
