wing it
Improvise, as in The interviewer had not read the author's book; he was just winging it. This expression comes from the theater, where it alludes to an actor studying his part in the wings (the areas to either side of the stage) because he has been suddenly called on to replace another. First recorded in 1885, it eventually was extended to other kinds of improvisation based on unpreparedness. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms
-----------------------------------------------------My spin on this involves less unpreparedness and more exploration -- being open to all things as of yet undiscovered. I'm sure there are times for discretion where absolute preparedness is necessary, but every incident has opportunity for improvisation. Like the job interview you've studied for but not knowing exactly what set of questions you may be asked or preparing for test but having to go through an oral exam or essay portion. There is some level of subjectivity and "wingin it" factor. On a more personal note, one's daily adventures from what you cook for dinner to what you do on the weekend, to how you celebrate a birthday or toast to good times can be so much more liberating if some element or all is left open to spontaneous ambiguity...
I am a proponent of framework. Everybody likes to have a general idea of what lies ahead, but the journey or the details are what make me tick...and I don't want to drone through life to the same beat day in and day out. I get that what makes one person "in there element" and another not, has much to do with comfort level. I am most "comfortable" not getting too comfortable or doing the same ol' thing. I aspire to keep things interesting, always expanding on my baggage and being prepared (like a good girl scout) for not only what you expect but also what you may not expect and fly where the wind takes you.
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