- To improvise; to do something without adequate preparation, planning, or practice, relying on instinct or spontaneous ability.
Explanation
Origin
The exact origin is uncertain, but several theories exist:
- Theatre: Actors hastily learning lines 'in the wings' (offstage areas) just before performing.
- Aviation: Pilots flying 'by the seat of their pants' (by feel/instinct rather than instruments), perhaps extended metaphorically to 'flying on a wing and a prayer' or just winging it.
- General Metaphor: Like a bird taking flight spontaneously.
The phrase seems to have become popular around the mid-20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Play it by ear
- Freestyle
- Fake it 'til you make it (implies pretending competence while improvising)
- Muddle through
- Ad-lib
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Just fucking do it.
- Bullshit my way through it. (Negative connotation, implies deception)
- Half-ass it (implies low effort, not just lack of prep)
Milder:
- Improvise
- Do it spontaneously
- Manage without preparation
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Generally avoid admitting you plan to wing it in formal or professional settings where preparation is expected, as it implies unprofessionalism. However, it can be used informally to describe a past event where improvisation was necessary.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The meaning is entirely metaphorical; it has nothing to do with literal wings or flying. It means improvising due to lack of preparation.
Examples
- I forgot my speech notes, so I had to wing it.
- He didn't study for the oral exam; he just decided to wing it.
- I don't really know how to cook this dish, I'm just going to wing it.
Dialogue
Liam: Are you ready for the client presentation?
Sophie: Not really. My laptop died, and all my slides are on it.
Liam: Oh no! What are you going to do?
Sophie: I'll have to wing it. I know the material well enough, hopefully.
Liam: Break a leg!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Public speaking class today and I totally forgot to prepare. Had to wing it. Pretty sure I rambled about cats for 5 minutes. 😬 #fail #publicspeaking
- Instagram Story: Decided to bake cookies but didn't have a recipe. Just gonna wing it! Wish me luck! 🍪🤞 #baking #improvcooking
- Facebook Status: Job interview went okay, though I had to wing it on a couple of technical questions. Fingers crossed!
Response Patterns
- Good luck!
- You'll be fine, I'm sure.
- Oh dear. Well, do your best!
- How did it go afterwards? (Follow-up question).
- Sometimes advice against it: Are you sure? Maybe quickly jot down some points?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
Before winging it:
- Expressing hope or nervousness.
- Proceeding with the improvised action.
After winging it:
- Being asked about the outcome: So, how did winging it go?
- Reflecting on the success or failure of the improvisation.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes an action taken (or about to be taken) due to lack of preparation.
Intonation
- Stress strongly on wing.
- I guess I'll just have to WING it.
- Often said with a tone of slight resignation, casual confidence, or nervousness.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood by most generations, perhaps especially common among younger adults but familiar to older speakers too.
Regional Variations
- Common expression in all major English-speaking regions.