hot shot
hot shot - A very successful expert or well-known person in his or her field. This slangy expression originated centuries ago in the military, meaning someone who is excessively eager to shoot, and began to be used figuratively in the 1600s. Today, the term is often used derisively for a supremely self-confident individual who is flamboyantly successful.
🖋️ Related Terms & Expressions
- Big shot: A significant or important person.
- Top dog: The most important person in a group or activity.
- High flyer: Someone who is successful or who aims for high achievement.
- Whiz kid: A young person who is exceptionally talented or precocious.
- Ace: Someone who is an expert or the best in what they do.
📚 Proverbs & Quotes
- “If you think you’re a hot shot, shoot for the stars but don’t blister yourself on the way up.” – Anonymous
- “Fame and success wear anyone out if not accompanied by humility.” – Jane Doe’s Book of Reflections
- “You don’t have to be a genius or a ‘hot shot’ to accomplish great things—just patient and tenacious.” – Granny Goodwill’s Weekly Wisdom
🎬 Recommendations in Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Books: “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell
- Literature: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Songs: “Paper Planes” by M.I.A.
- Poetry: “If—” by Rudyard Kipling
- Movies: “The Wolf of Wall Street”, “Top Gun”, “Good Will Hunting”
### Which of these is a synonym for 'hot shot'?
- [x] Whiz kid
- [ ] Slowpoke
- [ ] Middleman
- [ ] Underdog
> **Explanation:** A 'whiz kid' is often someone who is extremely talented or successful, similar to a 'hot shot'.
### Choose the antonym for 'hot shot':
- [ ] Superstar
- [ ] Champion
- [x] Mediocre
- [ ] Trailblazer
> **Explanation:** 'Mediocre' describes someone who is not extremely successful or talented, the opposite of a 'hot shot'.
### True or False: The term 'hot shot' originally came from civilian professions.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** The term originated in the military, referring to someone who was overly eager to shoot.
### Which idiom is genuine?
- [ ] Slicing through marmalade
- [x] Top dog
- [ ] Flying with broccoli feet
- [ ] Running with rollercoaster legs
> **Explanation:** 'Top dog' is an idiom that signifies the most important person in a group or context, well in line with 'hot shot'.
### Is 'hot shot' generally used as a compliment or as a subtle put-down?
- [ ] Compliment
- [x] Subtle put-down
> **Explanation:** While 'hot shot' can denote success, it often carries a somewhat derisive tone, hinting at overconfidence or flamboyance.
🌟 Inspirational Farewell:
May you never let success go to your head nor failure to your heart. Remember, the true ‘hot shots’ in life shine with humility and grace.
✨ Stay humble, stay curious. 🚀
