long shot
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See also: longshot
English[edit]
Alternative forms[edit]
Etymology[edit]
The term arose from the accuracy of early naval guns, which were effective only at close range and unlikely to hit the mark at any great distance.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun[edit]
long shot (plural long shots)
- A shot fired at a distant target.
- 1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 74:
- "It is of course a most foolish thing twice to take a long shot in a capercailzie wood, as you know," said the captain, appealing to me; "but the last time I had no choice, because I heard that villainous Andreas stalking the bird at the same time."
- (idiomatic) Something unlikely; something that has little chance of happening or working.
- We can try your plan, but it's a long shot and it probably won't work.
- 2023 May 18, Christopher Clarey, “Even as He’s Out, Rafael Nadal Will Always Be a Part of the French Open”, in The New York Times[1]:
- His reign in Paris — full of flexed biceps, forehand winners and underrated court craft — is one of the great achievements in any sport, and though a 15th title is a long shot at this late stage, all we know for certain is that Nadal will not be winning it this year.
- (film) A master shot, the primary wide shot of a scene into which the closeups will be edited later.
Synonyms[edit]
- (film): establishing shot, wide shot
Translations[edit]
Something unlikely
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