LONG SHOT Meaning and
Definition
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A "long shot" refers to an outcome or possibility that is considered highly unlikely or improbable. This term is commonly used to describe a situation in which the odds of success are deemed low, making it a risky or daring endeavor. The expression is often associated with sports or gambling, where it suggests that the chances of winning are minimal or require considerable luck or skill to achieve.
In sports, a long shot typically refers to a low-ranking or underdog team, athlete, or competitor with little to no chance of winning against a favored or stronger opponent. This implies that their victory would require exceptional performance, unexpected circumstances, or a combination of both. In gambling, a long shot represents a bet on an outcome that is considered unlikely to occur, often yielding a high payoff if it does happen.
Beyond sports and gambling, a long shot can be used more broadly to describe any scenario or objective that is deemed improbable or having little chance of success. This colloquial expression is often employed to express skepticism or caution about unrealistic expectations or ambitious goals. It conveys the idea that success in such situations would require extraordinary effort, circumstances, or luck to overcome the odds stacked against achieving the desired outcome.
Common Misspellings for LONG SHOT
- kong shot
- pong shot
- oong shot
- ling shot
- lkng shot
- llng shot
- lpng shot
- l0ng shot
- l9ng shot
- lobg shot
- lomg shot
- lojg shot
- lohg shot
- lonf shot
- lonv shot
- lonb shot
- lonh shot
- lony shot
- lont shot
Etymology of LONG SHOT
The word "long shot" originated from the sport of shooting, specifically in reference to the distance between a shooter and their target. In the early 18th century, "long shot" was initially used to describe a bullet or shot fired from a long-range, where accuracy was uncertain. Its figurative use to describe an unlikely or improbable attempt or outcome evolved from its association with the difficulty of hitting a target from such a distance. Over time, the term extended beyond the realm of shooting and became a common idiom used in various contexts to describe a highly unlikely or improbable event or possibility.
Idioms with the word LONG SHOT
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not by a long shot
The idiom "not by a long shot" means that something is not even close or nowhere near achieving a desired outcome or result. It implies a significant difference or distance from the expected or desired outcome.
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a long shot
The idiom "a long shot" typically refers to something that is unlikely to happen or succeed. It is often used to describe a possibility or outcome that has a very low probability of occurring.
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be a long shot
The idiom "be a long shot" refers to something that is unlikely to succeed or achieve the desired outcome. It suggests that the likelihood of success is minimal and requires a significant amount of luck or an extraordinary effort to accomplish.
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by a long shot
The idiom "by a long shot" means by a great margin or by a considerable amount. It refers to something that is not even close or not at all likely to happen.
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long shot
A long shot is a situation or estimate that has a very low probability of success or outcome, but still has a possibility of happening.
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long shot, a
A "long shot" is something that has a very low probability of success or achievement. It refers to attempting something that seems unlikely to happen or succeed.
Similar spelling words for LONG SHOT
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