a long shot

Are you using the idiom a long shot but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the a long shot idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "a long shot"

A wild guess/ a risk

The phrase "a long shot" is a common English idiom used to describe a situation or effort that is unlikely to succeed. The term originates from the sport of shooting, where a long shot refers to a difficult shot from a distance that is unlikely to hit the target.

Here are some example sentences that demonstrate the usage of "a long shot"

• "I know it's a long shot, but I'm going to try to win the lottery this week."
• "Getting a job without a degree is a long shot, but it's not impossible if you have the right experience."
• "I'm going to ask my boss for a raise, but I know it's a long shot because the company is going through tough times."
• "Asking a celebrity for a picture is a long shot, but sometimes it can work if you catch them in the right moment."
• "I'm hoping to convince my parents to let me go on a trip with my friends, but it's a long shot because they're very protective."

As you can see, the idiom "a long shot" is used to describe situations where success is unlikely, but there is still a small chance of achieving it. The term is often used to describe ambitious goals or endeavors that may seem unrealistic or challenging.

Here are some additional sentence constructions that demonstrate the usage of "a long shot"

• "Although it's a long shot, I'm still going to try because I don't want to regret not taking the chance."
• "I know it's a long shot, but I'm willing to put in the effort and see what happens."
• "It's a long shot, but if we work together and stay focused, we might be able to accomplish our goal."
• "The idea of starting a business with no experience may seem like a long shot, but with hard work and determination, it can be done."
• "Even though it's a long shot, we have to believe in ourselves and our abilities to succeed."

In conclusion, "a long shot" is a versatile English idiom that can be used to describe a variety of situations where success is unlikely but still possible. By incorporating this phrase into your vocabulary, you can effectively communicate your doubts and uncertainties about a situation while also expressing your determination to pursue it.

Idioms with similar meanings in different languages

"Barking up the wrong tree" is an English idiom that means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. In German, the similar idiom is "Auf dem Holzweg sein," which translates to "To be on the wrong track." This idiom emphasizes the idea that when you are pursuing the wrong course of action, you are not going to achieve your desired outcome.