make it up as one goes along: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘make it up as one goes along’ mean?
The idiom "make it up as one goes along" means to improvise or create something without a plan or preparation. It refers to the act of inventing or deciding things spontaneously as the situation unfolds, without prior knowledge or set rules.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take something as it comes" means to accept a situation or event without trying to control or change it. It implies a willingness to adapt and deal with circumstances as they unfold.
An idiom meaning to improvise or make up something without any basis or evidence.
The idiom "mush up" means to mix or blend something together, often in a messy or haphazard way.
The idiom "muddle along" means to continue doing something, usually without a clear plan or direction, and to make progress slowly or with difficulty.
The idiom "mix up" means to confuse or interchange things or people, leading to a misunderstanding or disorder. It implies a lack of clarity or organization in a situation. It is often used to describe situations where things or people are mistakenly combined or misunderstood.
The idiom "mix it up" means to vary or change something, often in order to avoid boredom or routine. It can refer to mixing up activities, ideas, or even people to bring about freshness and diversity.
An idiom referring to a situation or event that appears to be chaotic, disorganized, or confusing.
The idiom "mess up" means to make a mistake or to do something incorrectly, often resulting in a negative or chaotic outcome.
The idiom "mend one's ways" means to change one's behavior for the better, usually after a period of wrongdoing or bad habits. It implies a conscious effort to improve and rectify past mistakes or shortcomings.
Spontaneous Crafting
The idiom "make it up as one goes along" is often used to describe a situation where someone is improvising or figuring things out as they go without a plan or prior preparation. It can be traced back to the verb "make up," which means to invent or fabricate. This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts and is considered to be a figurative expression. It is used across various English-speaking countries, including the United States. The idiom emphasizes adaptability, freedom, and spontaneity in approaching a task or situation. When someone "makes it up as they go along," they rely on their creativity and ability to adjust in real-time. It is important to note that this idiom does not necessarily imply a lack of competence, but rather highlights the ability to think on one's feet and come up with creative solutions. It is a common phrase used to describe improvisation in personal and professional settings.
Related to the idiom "make it up as one goes along" are the idioms "pull out of one's arse," "take something as it comes," and "on the fly." These idioms share a similar theme of improvising or dealing with situations as they arise, without a predetermined plan. Let's explore each of these related idioms in the context of the main idiom.
"Pull out of one's arse" is an idiom that means to come up with something or make something work without prior preparation or resources. It is often used in informal contexts, and its use can imply a sense of resourcefulness or finding a solution in unexpected circumstances. This idiom aligns with the idea of "making it up as one goes along" because both reflect the ability to think creatively and solve problems on the spot.
"Take something as it comes" is another idiom related to "making it up as one goes along." It means to accept and deal with situations as they happen, without worrying too much about planning or control. This idiom suggests a flexible and adaptable approach, similar to the idea of improvising and relying on one's instincts in real-time. Both idioms emphasize the importance of being present and responsive to the current circumstances.
"On the fly" is an idiom that means to do something quickly or spontaneously, without much preparation. This idiomatic expression aligns with the concept of "making it up as one goes along" because it emphasizes the need to think quickly and make decisions on the spot. Both idioms imply a sense of urgency and the ability to adjust in real-time without a predetermined plan.
The idiom "make it up as one goes along" is used to describe a situation where someone improvises or figures things out without a plan. It emphasizes adaptability, creativity, and the ability to think on one's feet. Related idioms such as "pull out of one's arse," "take something as it comes," and "on the fly" share a similar theme of improvisation and dealing with situations as they arise. These idioms reflect the ability to think creatively, solve problems in real-time, and make decisions without a predetermined plan or set of rules.
Example usage
Examples:
- She didn't have a plan for the party, so she had to make it up as she went along.
- The presentation didn't have a script, so the speaker had to make it up as he went along.
- Since our trip was spontaneous, we had to make it up as we went along and decide on our destinations day by day.
Analysis:
The idiom "make it up as one goes along" is used to describe a situation where someone is improvising or making decisions as they progress, rather than following a predefined plan. It implies that the person is adapting to the circumstances and making things up as they go, often without a clear or well-thought-out strategy in place.
More "Improvisation" idioms
