A long shot is an attempt with little chance of success: finding the owner of an unlabelled camera is a long shot. Most often you hear It's a long shot, but…, a small chance, but let's try: it's a long shot, but the theatre might have returned tickets. A long shot is aimed at a distant target, so it's hard to hit.
When would you say a long shot?
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something is a long shot; It's a long shot, but + possible attempt
- Finding the owner of an unlabelled camera is a long shot, but we can ask at the café.
- It's a long shot, but the theatre might have returned tickets.
- Getting all six people free on the same evening is a long shot.
What changed
First versionIt's a long shoot, but someone may recognise the handwriting.
RevisionIt's a long shot, but someone may recognise the handwriting.
Shot and shoot look and sound similar, but shoot is the verb, to fire or to film, and shot is the noun, the act of firing. The idiom needs the noun: a long shot.
Give it a shot means try it, without judging the chances. A sure thing is something certain to work. Not by a long shot means not at all: it's not over, not by a long shot.
Your turn
There is a small chance of success, but trying may be worthwhile. It's ___.
Show the answer
a long shot — The chance is small but worth trying, so it's a long shot. A sure thing is certain to work.
Suggest one last way to find a lost item or ticket, starting with It's a long shot, but.
It's a long shot, but the lost-property office may still have your umbrella.
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