by the seat of one's pants

phrase

: using experience and intuition rather than mechanical aids or formal theory

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of by the seat of one's pants was in 1958

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by the score

by the seat of one's pants

by the short and curlies

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Style

“By the seat of one's pants.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20the%20seat%20of%20one%27s%20pants. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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by the seat of one's pants

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