English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Long shot
Meaning
The idiom "long shot" refers to something that is highly unlikely or remote to happen, especially when compared to the odds or probability of success. It can also be used to describe an action that is risky or bold, but has the potential for great reward if it succeeds.
Usage
- The company's proposal to merge with a larger competitor was a long shot, but it ultimately paid off with significant cost savings and increased market share.
- Trying to become a professional athlete is a long shot, especially if you don't have the talent or resources to train consistently.
- The politician's decision to run for office as an independent was a risky move, but it paid off when they won the election with a landslide victory.
- The scientist's hypothesis about the origins of the universe was a long shot, but it sparked new research and discoveries in the field of cosmology.
- Investing all your savings into one high-risk stock is a gamble, and even if it pays off in the short term, there's no guarantee that you won't lose everything in the long run.
Roots and History
The phrase "long shot" has been used in English since at least the 16th century. It originated from the game of bowls, where players would take a long-handled stick called a "bung" to knock down pins from a distance. If they were successful, it was considered a remarkable feat and a "long shot". The phrase later evolved to refer to any highly unlikely or risky situation.
Synonyms in English
- Longshot
- Risky
- Bold
- Gamble
- High-stakes
Synonyms in other languages
- In Spanish, the synonym is "largo alcance" which means far reach or long range.
- In French, the synonym is "tir à l'éloigné" which means bowling from a distance or long shot.
- In Italian, the synonym is "tiro da buona distanza" which means shot from afar or long shot.
- In German, the synonym is "fernschuss" which means long-range shot or distant aim.
- In Japanese, the synonym is "長距離射" which means long-distance arrow or far-off target.