The phrase "make it up as one goes along" means to improvise or to create something without planning beforehand. The spelling of this phrase can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /meɪk ɪt ʌp æz wʌn ɡoʊz əlɔŋ/. The stressed syllables are marked with the symbol ( ˈ ), indicating that the word "make" and "goes" have emphasis. This phrase is commonly used in conversation and can be applied to various situations where one must think on their feet.
"Make it up as one goes along" is an idiomatic expression often used to describe the act of improvising or creating something, particularly a plan or solution, in a spontaneous and ad hoc manner without prior preparation or specific guidelines.
This phrase suggests that the individual is navigating a situation with no preconceived strategy or pre-existing knowledge, relying solely on their instincts, creativity, and the immediate circumstances at hand. It emphasizes the absence of a predetermined or structured plan and the reliance on spur-of-the-moment decision-making.
The phrase is commonly employed in informal contexts and can be used to describe various scenarios, such as making up a story or fictional narrative without a defined plot, developing a novel idea without any blueprint, or finding an innovative solution to an unexpected problem on the go.
The expression often conveys a sense of adaptability, versatility, and quick-thinking abilities. People who make it up as they go along are usually comfortable with uncertainty and change. They possess the skill to think on their feet and possess a level of resourcefulness to cope with unforeseen circumstances. However, it can also imply a lack of prior planning or established structure, potentially leading to haphazard outcomes or a less disciplined approach.