The phrase "made up as one goes along" refers to something that is improvised or created in the moment without prior planning or preparation. There are several synonyms for this phrase, such as "winging it," "improvising," "ad-libbing," "flying by the seat of one's pants," "playing it by ear," and "spontaneously composing." Each of these synonyms conveys the idea of creating something on the spot, often in response to unexpected circumstances or challenges. Whether it's improvising a speech, ad-libbing a scene in a play, or winging it in a job interview, the ability to make things up as one goes along is a valuable skill for navigating uncertain situations.