long shot: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "long shot" is commonly used in American English to describe a situation or attempt that is unlikely to succeed. It is often used in contexts where the outcome is uncertain and the chances of achieving a desired result are slim.

The phrase "long shot" originated in the world of horse racing, where it referred to a horse that had little chance of winning. In this context, the term was used to describe a horse that was considered a risky bet due to its low odds of winning the race.

The idiom "long shot" is closely related to the concept of risk and probability. It implies a degree of uncertainty and suggests that the chances of success are remote. However, it also implies a sense of possibility and the belief that even unlikely outcomes can occur.

While the exact origin of the phrase is not entirely clear, it is believed to have originated in the late 19th century in the United States. The term "long shot" was first used in the context of horse racing and later gained a more general usage in everyday language.

Today, the idiom "long shot" is widely understood and used in both formal and informal communication. It has become a part of the English language lexicon and is frequently invoked to describe situations where the odds are stacked against success.

In addition to "long shot," there are several idioms related to this concept that are commonly used in American English.

"long odds" is an idiom that is often used interchangeably with "long shot." It refers to the high level of risk or uncertainty associated with a particular endeavor. For example, you might say "The chances of winning the lottery are long odds" to convey the idea that the chances of winning are very low.

"by a long shot" is another idiom that is related to "long shot." It means that something is far from certain or likely to happen. For instance, you might say "I'm not going to win the race by a long shot" to express the belief that you are not likely to win the race.

The idiom "shot in the dark" is another expression related to "long shot." It means to take a wild or uncertain guess or attempt. For example, you might say "I took a shot in the dark and guessed the answer correctly" to describe a situation where you made a guess without any real evidence or knowledge.

"dog's chance" is yet another idiom that is associated with "long shot." It refers to a very low chance of success or a situation where one is unlikely to achieve a desired outcome. You might say "I have a dog's chance of winning the lottery" to express the idea that your chances of winning are extremely low.

The idiom "no chance" is also related to "long shot." It means that there is absolutely no possibility or likelihood of something happening. For example, you might say "There's no chance I'll be able to finish this task before the deadline" to convey the belief that it is impossible for you to complete the task in the given time frame.

These idioms related to "long shot" all convey a sense of uncertainty, risk, and low probability. They are commonly used in American English to describe situations where success is unlikely or highly improbable.

The idiom "long shot" is widely used in American English to describe a situation or attempt that is unlikely to succeed. Its origins lie in the world of horse racing, where it originally referred to a horse with little chance of winning. Over time, it has evolved to encompass any endeavor with a low probability of success. The related idioms "long odds," "by a long shot," "shot in the dark," "dog's chance," and "no chance" all convey a similar sense of uncertainty and improbability. These idioms are frequently used to describe situations where success is highly unlikely or improbable. Despite the slim chances of success associated with a long shot, they signify the potential for unexpected outcomes and serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of life.