on spec

on spec

As a gamble, on the chance of achieving something

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Main Entry: ↑spec

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on spec informal phrase

without being asked to do something, or without an agreement that something will happen

He wrote to them on spec and they offered him a job!

Thesaurus: applying and interviewing for jobs_hyponym

Main entry: spec

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on spec

1 : without having a definite buyer or customer but with the hope or expectation of finding one when work is completed

He built the house on spec.

She wrote the script on spec.

2 chiefly Brit : without being sure of success but with the hope of success

He wrote to the company on spec, hoping for a job.

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Main Entry: ↑spec

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on ˈspec idiom

(BrE, informal) when you do sth on spec, you are trying to achieve sth without organizing it in advance, but hoping you will be lucky

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A lot of young people apply for jobs on spec

(= not in reply to an advertisement, but hoping that a job might be available)

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Main entry: ↑spec_idiom