# fly by the seat of one's pants

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fly-by-the-seat-of-ones-pants
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To pilot an aircraft without the aid of instruments and without a flight plan, using only instinct, visual observation, and practical judgment.

## Examples

- I did not prepare, so I am flying by the seat of my pants.
- Without a clear plan for the meeting, the manager had to fly by the seat of his pants to answer the client's questions.
- Lacking both a map and a reliable guide, the explorers were forced to fly by the seat of their pants as they navigated the dense, uncharted forest.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.