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

After beginning his career as a wing, it will be the fourth time that Rees-Zammit has started at full-back for Wales after making three appearances there during the 2022-23 season.

From BBC

I can’t read, so I just try to wing it.

From Literature

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

From Salon

I don’t wing it and hope everything will turn out OK anymore.

From Los Angeles Times

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