wing it

Idioms  

1. Improvise, as in The interviewer had not read the author's book; he was just winging it. This expression comes from the theater, where it alludes to an actor studying his part in the wings (the areas to either side of the stage) because he has been suddenly called on to replace another. First recorded in 1885, it eventually was extended to other kinds of improvisation based on unpreparedness.

---

Example Sentences

Sometimes, to build capacity or save lives, a relief organization simply has to wing it.

From Salon • Aug. 16, 2025

While Darcy Graham's dancing feet threaten on one wing, it was Duhan van der Merwe's power that shrugged off Ellis Mee on the other, creating space for Huw Jones on the outside.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2025

“You can say you’re just gonna wing it, but who really just wings it?”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2023

Francis said last week there just wasn’t time to completely round out the staff — remember, Hakstol was only hired three months before 2021 training camp — and they’d tried unsuccessfully to wing it.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 25, 2023

“I’ll adjust the chakra on Audrey and wing it to you.”

From "Educated" by Tara Westover