Idiom
long shot
Meanings
An attempt or possibility that is unlikely to succeed; something with a very small chance of happening.
A person or team expected to lose, especially in a competition or betting context.
Definition
A long shot is something that has a very small chance of success but is still possible.
A long shot is an attempt, plan, or guess that is unlikely to succeed. People use it when the odds are against them, but they want to try anyway. It can describe a risky hope in everyday situations, sports, business, or competitions.
Examples
- Getting tickets the day of the concert is a long shot, but we can try.
- It’s a long shot, yet I’m going to email the CEO directly.
- Finding my lost ring in the park is a long shot.
- Her startup felt like a long shot, but it ended up taking off.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use long shot to mean a “long distance shot,” but the idiom mainly means an unlikely chance or underdog.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More noun phrases
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
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- fifth wheel A fifth wheel is a person who is unnecessary or awkwardly included in a situation, especially with …
- gravy train An easy and profitable situation that provides steady benefits with little effort.
- level playing field A level playing field is a situation where everyone has the same chances and no one has an unfair a…