The phrase "by seat of pants" is an idiom that originated in the realm of aviation to describe a way of operating an aircraft without relying on instruments. However, over time, it has been widely adopted in various contexts to depict a manner of doing something based purely on intuition and personal experience, rather than following a structured approach or utilizing relevant tools or guidance.
In a literal sense, "by seat of pants" refers to flying an aircraft by relying solely on one's instincts and bodily sensations, such as feeling changes in altitude, speed, and vibrations, without referring to any instruments. This approach requires a deep understanding and familiarity with the aircraft, as well as considerable experience in flight. By extension, the phrase has come to embrace a broader meaning beyond aviation.
Figuratively, "by seat of pants" represents an approach in which a person relies on their gut feeling, personal judgment, or prior experiences to tackle a situation or solve a problem, instead of relying on formal training, established rules, or technical aids. This often involves making decisions on the go, without much research or analysis, and taking intuitive leaps based on subjective evaluations. It implies a certain level of risk, as decisions made "by seat of pants" may not always yield optimal outcomes or account for all possible variables.
In summary, "by seat of pants" refers to a subjective, intuitive, and experiential way of doing something, often without relying on structured methods or technical assistance.
