Do you “call an audible” when you “play it by ear”?
I recently overheard the phrase, "call an audible" and mentally likened it to, "play it by ear." But when I went to look it up, I discovered that the general consensus is that the former hails from (American) football, whereas the latter takes its cue from music.
Surely two such similar phrases have common etymology! Alas, I cannot find any evidence of it on the Internet. Does anyone here?
etymology idioms history
asked Aug 25 '11 at 13:17
kojiro
1,17061428
add a comment |
I recently overheard the phrase, "call an audible" and mentally likened it to, "play it by ear." But when I went to look it up, I discovered that the general consensus is that the former hails from (American) football, whereas the latter takes its cue from music.
Surely two such similar phrases have common etymology! Alas, I cannot find any evidence of it on the Internet. Does anyone here?
etymology idioms history
asked Aug 25 '11 at 13:17
kojiro
1,17061428
7
I don't think the two are related--not every hearing-related phrase shares an etymology
– simchona
Aug 25 '11 at 13:20
add a comment |
I recently overheard the phrase, "call an audible" and mentally likened it to, "play it by ear." But when I went to look it up, I discovered that the general consensus is that the former hails from (American) football, whereas the latter takes its cue from music.
Surely two such similar phrases have common etymology! Alas, I cannot find any evidence of it on the Internet. Does anyone here?
etymology idioms history
asked Aug 25 '11 at 13:17
kojiro
1,17061428
I recently overheard the phrase, "call an audible" and mentally likened it to, "play it by ear." But when I went to look it up, I discovered that the general consensus is that the former hails from (American) football, whereas the latter takes its cue from music.
Surely two such similar phrases have common etymology! Alas, I cannot find any evidence of it on the Internet. Does anyone here?
etymology idioms history
etymology idioms history
asked Aug 25 '11 at 13:17
kojiro
1,17061428
asked Aug 25 '11 at 13:17
kojiro
1,17061428
asked Aug 25 '11 at 13:17
kojiro
1,17061428
asked Aug 25 '11 at 13:17
kojiro
1,17061428
asked Aug 25 '11 at 13:17
kojiro
1,17061428
1,17061428
7
I don't think the two are related--not every hearing-related phrase shares an etymology
– simchona
Aug 25 '11 at 13:20
add a comment |
7
I don't think the two are related--not every hearing-related phrase shares an etymology
– simchona
Aug 25 '11 at 13:20
7
7
I don't think the two are related--not every hearing-related phrase shares an etymology
– simchona
Aug 25 '11 at 13:20
I don't think the two are related--not every hearing-related phrase shares an etymology
– simchona
Aug 25 '11 at 13:20
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
Nope, not related.
"Call an audible" is a term from American Football. It refers to the Quarterback changing the play at the last minute based on how he sees the defense lining up. He will call out the play change vocally to his team-mates while they are already lined up for the play. So it might be used to mean "make a change at the last minute based on the circumstance."
"Play it by ear" is a musical phrase that contrasts against reading from sheet music, so might be used where there is no plan, just acting based on the dynamics of the situation.
But they are used in similar situations when used colloquially. Another synonyms would be "fly by the seat of your pants"
answered Aug 25 '11 at 13:24
BradC
3,55822023
2
+1 'Nuff said, really. Not only not related, but I doubt many people (OP excepted) would even be reminded of one when hearing the other.
– FumbleFingers
Aug 25 '11 at 13:27
3
+1, but I'm editing this to make it clear that it is a reference to American Football. Quite a lot of our readers aren't from the USA, and thus aren't intimately familiar with the sport like we are (hence kojiro's confusion).
– T.E.D.
Aug 25 '11 at 13:46
On the contrary, @FumbleFingers, all 3 of Brad's examples are very much synonymous to me though clearly they don't share etymology.
– Kristina Lopez
Dec 18 at 23:23
2
@T.E.D. Glad you said that, I'm British and not only recognise "play by ear" and "fly by the seat of your pants" but use them occasionally. However I've never heard "call an audible" used in any context. Without the explanation it was nonsensical to me.
– BoldBen
Dec 18 at 23:52
I think the information that is missing is that football often uses "set patterns". So we're going to do a 53 or a 7B or a reverse 11. An audible would not choose a pattern but would be "I will pass to Steve who will run left and you will all support him" or something. Changing everyone's plans to something that was not thought of before, but is a plan.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 19 at 13:59
|
show 1 more comment
It most likely meant to change plans.
Gary; I thought we were listening to a lecture?
Alan: I'm calling an audible, we are going to read from the book instead.
answered Sep 10 '15 at 19:29
Adam
1
add a comment |
Heard recently at the Breeders Cup races at Keeneland Race Course. A trainer had not chosen one of the BC races for one of the horses in her barn. Because the horse's next race was a resounding victory, she "called an audible" and changed her game plans, sending the horse to the Breeders Cup. (by the way, it lost.)
answered Nov 1 '15 at 20:37
Kyderby12
1
Welcome to EL&U. While a relevant anecdote, I'm afraid this doesn't constitute an answer to the question, or add much to what has previously been mentioned. This kind of contribution is best made as a comment - stick around and you'll soon collect the reputation points required to comment on any post.
– JHCL
Nov 1 '15 at 22:16
add a comment |
protected by MetaEd♦ Dec 19 at 0:11
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Nope, not related.
"Call an audible" is a term from American Football. It refers to the Quarterback changing the play at the last minute based on how he sees the defense lining up. He will call out the play change vocally to his team-mates while they are already lined up for the play. So it might be used to mean "make a change at the last minute based on the circumstance."
"Play it by ear" is a musical phrase that contrasts against reading from sheet music, so might be used where there is no plan, just acting based on the dynamics of the situation.
But they are used in similar situations when used colloquially. Another synonyms would be "fly by the seat of your pants"
answered Aug 25 '11 at 13:24
BradC
3,55822023
2
+1 'Nuff said, really. Not only not related, but I doubt many people (OP excepted) would even be reminded of one when hearing the other.
– FumbleFingers
Aug 25 '11 at 13:27
3
+1, but I'm editing this to make it clear that it is a reference to American Football. Quite a lot of our readers aren't from the USA, and thus aren't intimately familiar with the sport like we are (hence kojiro's confusion).
– T.E.D.
Aug 25 '11 at 13:46
On the contrary, @FumbleFingers, all 3 of Brad's examples are very much synonymous to me though clearly they don't share etymology.
– Kristina Lopez
Dec 18 at 23:23
2
@T.E.D. Glad you said that, I'm British and not only recognise "play by ear" and "fly by the seat of your pants" but use them occasionally. However I've never heard "call an audible" used in any context. Without the explanation it was nonsensical to me.
– BoldBen
Dec 18 at 23:52
I think the information that is missing is that football often uses "set patterns". So we're going to do a 53 or a 7B or a reverse 11. An audible would not choose a pattern but would be "I will pass to Steve who will run left and you will all support him" or something. Changing everyone's plans to something that was not thought of before, but is a plan.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 19 at 13:59
|
show 1 more comment
Nope, not related.
"Call an audible" is a term from American Football. It refers to the Quarterback changing the play at the last minute based on how he sees the defense lining up. He will call out the play change vocally to his team-mates while they are already lined up for the play. So it might be used to mean "make a change at the last minute based on the circumstance."
"Play it by ear" is a musical phrase that contrasts against reading from sheet music, so might be used where there is no plan, just acting based on the dynamics of the situation.
But they are used in similar situations when used colloquially. Another synonyms would be "fly by the seat of your pants"
answered Aug 25 '11 at 13:24
BradC
3,55822023
2
+1 'Nuff said, really. Not only not related, but I doubt many people (OP excepted) would even be reminded of one when hearing the other.
– FumbleFingers
Aug 25 '11 at 13:27
3
+1, but I'm editing this to make it clear that it is a reference to American Football. Quite a lot of our readers aren't from the USA, and thus aren't intimately familiar with the sport like we are (hence kojiro's confusion).
– T.E.D.
Aug 25 '11 at 13:46
On the contrary, @FumbleFingers, all 3 of Brad's examples are very much synonymous to me though clearly they don't share etymology.
– Kristina Lopez
Dec 18 at 23:23
2
@T.E.D. Glad you said that, I'm British and not only recognise "play by ear" and "fly by the seat of your pants" but use them occasionally. However I've never heard "call an audible" used in any context. Without the explanation it was nonsensical to me.
– BoldBen
Dec 18 at 23:52
I think the information that is missing is that football often uses "set patterns". So we're going to do a 53 or a 7B or a reverse 11. An audible would not choose a pattern but would be "I will pass to Steve who will run left and you will all support him" or something. Changing everyone's plans to something that was not thought of before, but is a plan.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 19 at 13:59
|
show 1 more comment
Nope, not related.
"Call an audible" is a term from American Football. It refers to the Quarterback changing the play at the last minute based on how he sees the defense lining up. He will call out the play change vocally to his team-mates while they are already lined up for the play. So it might be used to mean "make a change at the last minute based on the circumstance."
"Play it by ear" is a musical phrase that contrasts against reading from sheet music, so might be used where there is no plan, just acting based on the dynamics of the situation.
But they are used in similar situations when used colloquially. Another synonyms would be "fly by the seat of your pants"
answered Aug 25 '11 at 13:24
BradC
3,55822023
Nope, not related.
"Call an audible" is a term from American Football. It refers to the Quarterback changing the play at the last minute based on how he sees the defense lining up. He will call out the play change vocally to his team-mates while they are already lined up for the play. So it might be used to mean "make a change at the last minute based on the circumstance."
"Play it by ear" is a musical phrase that contrasts against reading from sheet music, so might be used where there is no plan, just acting based on the dynamics of the situation.
But they are used in similar situations when used colloquially. Another synonyms would be "fly by the seat of your pants"
answered Aug 25 '11 at 13:24
BradC
3,55822023
edited Dec 2 '15 at 14:47
answered Aug 25 '11 at 13:24
BradC
3,55822023
answered Aug 25 '11 at 13:24
BradC
3,55822023
answered Aug 25 '11 at 13:24
BradC
3,55822023
3,55822023
2
+1 'Nuff said, really. Not only not related, but I doubt many people (OP excepted) would even be reminded of one when hearing the other.
– FumbleFingers
Aug 25 '11 at 13:27
3
+1, but I'm editing this to make it clear that it is a reference to American Football. Quite a lot of our readers aren't from the USA, and thus aren't intimately familiar with the sport like we are (hence kojiro's confusion).
– T.E.D.
Aug 25 '11 at 13:46
On the contrary, @FumbleFingers, all 3 of Brad's examples are very much synonymous to me though clearly they don't share etymology.
– Kristina Lopez
Dec 18 at 23:23
2
@T.E.D. Glad you said that, I'm British and not only recognise "play by ear" and "fly by the seat of your pants" but use them occasionally. However I've never heard "call an audible" used in any context. Without the explanation it was nonsensical to me.
– BoldBen
Dec 18 at 23:52
I think the information that is missing is that football often uses "set patterns". So we're going to do a 53 or a 7B or a reverse 11. An audible would not choose a pattern but would be "I will pass to Steve who will run left and you will all support him" or something. Changing everyone's plans to something that was not thought of before, but is a plan.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 19 at 13:59
|
show 1 more comment
2
+1 'Nuff said, really. Not only not related, but I doubt many people (OP excepted) would even be reminded of one when hearing the other.
– FumbleFingers
Aug 25 '11 at 13:27
3
+1, but I'm editing this to make it clear that it is a reference to American Football. Quite a lot of our readers aren't from the USA, and thus aren't intimately familiar with the sport like we are (hence kojiro's confusion).
– T.E.D.
Aug 25 '11 at 13:46
On the contrary, @FumbleFingers, all 3 of Brad's examples are very much synonymous to me though clearly they don't share etymology.
– Kristina Lopez
Dec 18 at 23:23
2
@T.E.D. Glad you said that, I'm British and not only recognise "play by ear" and "fly by the seat of your pants" but use them occasionally. However I've never heard "call an audible" used in any context. Without the explanation it was nonsensical to me.
– BoldBen
Dec 18 at 23:52
I think the information that is missing is that football often uses "set patterns". So we're going to do a 53 or a 7B or a reverse 11. An audible would not choose a pattern but would be "I will pass to Steve who will run left and you will all support him" or something. Changing everyone's plans to something that was not thought of before, but is a plan.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 19 at 13:59
2
2
+1 'Nuff said, really. Not only not related, but I doubt many people (OP excepted) would even be reminded of one when hearing the other.
– FumbleFingers
Aug 25 '11 at 13:27
+1 'Nuff said, really. Not only not related, but I doubt many people (OP excepted) would even be reminded of one when hearing the other.
– FumbleFingers
Aug 25 '11 at 13:27
3
3
+1, but I'm editing this to make it clear that it is a reference to American Football. Quite a lot of our readers aren't from the USA, and thus aren't intimately familiar with the sport like we are (hence kojiro's confusion).
– T.E.D.
Aug 25 '11 at 13:46
+1, but I'm editing this to make it clear that it is a reference to American Football. Quite a lot of our readers aren't from the USA, and thus aren't intimately familiar with the sport like we are (hence kojiro's confusion).
– T.E.D.
Aug 25 '11 at 13:46
On the contrary, @FumbleFingers, all 3 of Brad's examples are very much synonymous to me though clearly they don't share etymology.
– Kristina Lopez
Dec 18 at 23:23
On the contrary, @FumbleFingers, all 3 of Brad's examples are very much synonymous to me though clearly they don't share etymology.
– Kristina Lopez
Dec 18 at 23:23
2
2
@T.E.D. Glad you said that, I'm British and not only recognise "play by ear" and "fly by the seat of your pants" but use them occasionally. However I've never heard "call an audible" used in any context. Without the explanation it was nonsensical to me.
– BoldBen
Dec 18 at 23:52
@T.E.D. Glad you said that, I'm British and not only recognise "play by ear" and "fly by the seat of your pants" but use them occasionally. However I've never heard "call an audible" used in any context. Without the explanation it was nonsensical to me.
– BoldBen
Dec 18 at 23:52
I think the information that is missing is that football often uses "set patterns". So we're going to do a 53 or a 7B or a reverse 11. An audible would not choose a pattern but would be "I will pass to Steve who will run left and you will all support him" or something. Changing everyone's plans to something that was not thought of before, but is a plan.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 19 at 13:59
I think the information that is missing is that football often uses "set patterns". So we're going to do a 53 or a 7B or a reverse 11. An audible would not choose a pattern but would be "I will pass to Steve who will run left and you will all support him" or something. Changing everyone's plans to something that was not thought of before, but is a plan.
– Kate Gregory
Dec 19 at 13:59
|
show 1 more comment
It most likely meant to change plans.
Gary; I thought we were listening to a lecture?
Alan: I'm calling an audible, we are going to read from the book instead.
answered Sep 10 '15 at 19:29
Adam
1
add a comment |
It most likely meant to change plans.
Gary; I thought we were listening to a lecture?
Alan: I'm calling an audible, we are going to read from the book instead.
answered Sep 10 '15 at 19:29
Adam
1
add a comment |
It most likely meant to change plans.
Gary; I thought we were listening to a lecture?
Alan: I'm calling an audible, we are going to read from the book instead.
answered Sep 10 '15 at 19:29
Adam
1
It most likely meant to change plans.
Gary; I thought we were listening to a lecture?
Alan: I'm calling an audible, we are going to read from the book instead.
answered Sep 10 '15 at 19:29
Adam
1
answered Sep 10 '15 at 19:29
Adam
1
answered Sep 10 '15 at 19:29
Adam
1
answered Sep 10 '15 at 19:29
Adam
1
1
add a comment |
add a comment |
Heard recently at the Breeders Cup races at Keeneland Race Course. A trainer had not chosen one of the BC races for one of the horses in her barn. Because the horse's next race was a resounding victory, she "called an audible" and changed her game plans, sending the horse to the Breeders Cup. (by the way, it lost.)
answered Nov 1 '15 at 20:37
Kyderby12
1
Welcome to EL&U. While a relevant anecdote, I'm afraid this doesn't constitute an answer to the question, or add much to what has previously been mentioned. This kind of contribution is best made as a comment - stick around and you'll soon collect the reputation points required to comment on any post.
– JHCL
Nov 1 '15 at 22:16
add a comment |
Heard recently at the Breeders Cup races at Keeneland Race Course. A trainer had not chosen one of the BC races for one of the horses in her barn. Because the horse's next race was a resounding victory, she "called an audible" and changed her game plans, sending the horse to the Breeders Cup. (by the way, it lost.)
answered Nov 1 '15 at 20:37
Kyderby12
1
Welcome to EL&U. While a relevant anecdote, I'm afraid this doesn't constitute an answer to the question, or add much to what has previously been mentioned. This kind of contribution is best made as a comment - stick around and you'll soon collect the reputation points required to comment on any post.
– JHCL
Nov 1 '15 at 22:16
add a comment |
Heard recently at the Breeders Cup races at Keeneland Race Course. A trainer had not chosen one of the BC races for one of the horses in her barn. Because the horse's next race was a resounding victory, she "called an audible" and changed her game plans, sending the horse to the Breeders Cup. (by the way, it lost.)
answered Nov 1 '15 at 20:37
Kyderby12
1
Heard recently at the Breeders Cup races at Keeneland Race Course. A trainer had not chosen one of the BC races for one of the horses in her barn. Because the horse's next race was a resounding victory, she "called an audible" and changed her game plans, sending the horse to the Breeders Cup. (by the way, it lost.)
answered Nov 1 '15 at 20:37
Kyderby12
1
answered Nov 1 '15 at 20:37
Kyderby12
1
answered Nov 1 '15 at 20:37
Kyderby12
1
answered Nov 1 '15 at 20:37
Kyderby12
1
1
Welcome to EL&U. While a relevant anecdote, I'm afraid this doesn't constitute an answer to the question, or add much to what has previously been mentioned. This kind of contribution is best made as a comment - stick around and you'll soon collect the reputation points required to comment on any post.
– JHCL
Nov 1 '15 at 22:16
add a comment |
Welcome to EL&U. While a relevant anecdote, I'm afraid this doesn't constitute an answer to the question, or add much to what has previously been mentioned. This kind of contribution is best made as a comment - stick around and you'll soon collect the reputation points required to comment on any post.
– JHCL
Nov 1 '15 at 22:16
Welcome to EL&U. While a relevant anecdote, I'm afraid this doesn't constitute an answer to the question, or add much to what has previously been mentioned. This kind of contribution is best made as a comment - stick around and you'll soon collect the reputation points required to comment on any post.
– JHCL
Nov 1 '15 at 22:16
Welcome to EL&U. While a relevant anecdote, I'm afraid this doesn't constitute an answer to the question, or add much to what has previously been mentioned. This kind of contribution is best made as a comment - stick around and you'll soon collect the reputation points required to comment on any post.
– JHCL
Nov 1 '15 at 22:16
add a comment |
protected by MetaEd♦ Dec 19 at 0:11
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
7
I don't think the two are related--not every hearing-related phrase shares an etymology
– simchona
Aug 25 '11 at 13:20