🎯 Long Shot, (Not by) a 🏇
Definition: A prediction, guess, or effort that is highly unlikely to succeed. Derived from the days when long-distance shots with early firearms were rarely on target.
Synonyms:
- A gamble
- Hail Mary
- A shot in the dark
- Wild guess
Antonyms:
- Sure thing
- Certainty
- Guarantee
- No-brainer
Popular Variations:
- “Not by a long shot” — Used to negate the possibility of something happening.
Related Expressions:
- Betting against the odds: Taking a risk or chance despite low probability.
- At sixes and sevens: Being in a state of confusion or disarray, implying uncertainty or unpredictability.
- Burning daylight: Wasting time, suggesting a distance from achieving the goal.
In Literature and Media:
Books:
- “The Long Shot” by Michael Connelly - A suspenseful novel revolving around unlikely scenarios and underrated characters.
- “Real Life and Liars” by Kristina Riggle - While not about gambling or bets, it’s a story about life not always playing out how you expect.
Movies:
- Long Shot (2019) - A charming romantic comedy where an unlikely relationship feels like a “long shot.”
- Rocky (1976) - The classic story of an underdog boxer taking a long shot at the championship.
Quotes:
- “Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.” — W. Clement Stone
- “Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping stones to greater experience. Perhaps some day you will be thankful for some temporary failure in a particular direction. When one door closes, another always opens.” — Your friendly optimism guru!
TV Shows:
- Suits (2011–2019) - Lots of legal long shots, courtroom drama, and high-stakes risk-taking.
- Breaking Bad (2008–2013) - Breaking all odds and breaking the law, Walter White’s journey to power is a long shot story.
Quizzes 🧠
### What does "a long shot" imply in colloquial usage?
- [ ] A sure thing
- [ ] An easy win
- [ ] A minor risk
- [x] An improbable event
> **Explanation:** The term "long shot" indicates something with a very low chance of success.
### Which expression is about high odds and taking risks?
- [ ] Playing it safe
- [ ] Calling it early
- [x] Betting against the odds
- [ ] Keeping it close
> **Explanation:** "Betting against the odds" means taking a significant risk.
### True or False: "Not by a long shot" means something is highly likely.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Not by a long shot" refers to something that is highly unlikely.
Till we meet in the landscape of language again, keep firing those distant shots, daring the improbable, and reveling in the beautiful unpredictability of words. 🎯✨
— L. Gunn Lager
